Abstract: The present invention provides functional finishing dyes comprising at least one functional finishing group covalently attached to a traditional dye via a chemical linkage. More particularly, the present invention provides novel antimicrobial cationic dyes comprising a quaternary ammonium salt group covalently attached to an aminoanthraquinioid dye via a linker. The dyes are particularly useful for imparting a functional property to a polymer, such as an antimicrobial, anti-static, softening, water-repellent, fire-resistant, soil-repellent, anti-UV, or anti-chemical property, and for simultaneously dyeing and finishing a polymer.