Abstract: A method of synthesizing phenoxyanthraquinones in the absence of excess phenol, water-miscible alcohols or polar aprotic solvents. Phenoxyanthraquinones are synthesized in high yield and purity by treatment of the corresponding chloro- or nitroanthraquinone with an equivalent of alkali metal phenoxide, particularly potassium phenoxide in a liquid aromatic solvent which is a chloro-substituted benzene, a lower alkyl-substituted benzene, or a loweralkyl-chloro-substituted benzene. The use of the inventive solvents results in high yields of readily isolable, substantially pure product. The used solvent is readily recoverable without the pollution potential of excess phenol or difficultly recoverable water-miscible solvents.

Abstract: A composition comprising two or more benzensulfonamido anthraquinone dyes, selected from those of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is methyl, ethyl, hydroxyethyl, .beta.-methoxyethyl or .beta.-ethoxyethyl,R.sub.1 is hydrogen or methyl andR.sub.2 is hydrogen, methyl or methoxy, provided that in at least one of the selected dyes, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are both hydrogen. The mixture of dyes gives improved dye strength and brightness of shade and is useful for dyeing linear polyester material, particularly textile material, in shades of red, with excellent leveling and fastness properties.