Abstract: This invention relates to liquid complexes of anionic organic dyes with quaternary ammonium compounds which are homogeneous and thus substantially free of unwanted inorganic salts. Of particular interest as quaternary ammonium compounds are those which comprise alkoxylated moieties. Such complexes are formed through ionic bonds formed between the two compounds. The complexes are then removed of substantially all resultant unwanted salt formed from the cations of the dye and the counter ions of the quat so as to obtain an homogeneous liquid colorant which easily disperses within different media and which possess favorable migration and coloring characteristics. This invention also concerns methods of making the aforementioned salt-free anionic dye/quat complexes as well as methods of utilizing such complexes for dyeing thermoplastic and thermoset compositions and the incorporation of such complexes within aqueous and non-aqueous formulations and ink compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to solid complexes of anionic organic dyes with quaternary ammonium compounds which have average molecular weights of below about 900 which are substantially free from unwanted salts. Of particular interest as quaternary ammonium compounds are those which comprise alkoxylated moieties. Such complexes are formed through ionic bonds formed between the two compounds. The complexes are then removed of substantially all resultant unwanted salt formed from the cations of the dye and the counter-ions of the quat so as to obtain a solid dyeing agent which easily disperses within different media and which possess extremely good non-migration and coloring characteristics. This invention also concerns methods of making the aforementioned salt-free solid anionic dye/quat complexes as well as methods of utilizing such complexes for dyeing thermoplastic, thermoset, and wax compositions.