Reactive dyes containing a halobenzene nucleus

Abstract

1. A dye contains

Description

[0001] This invention relates to reactive dyes containing a halobenzene nucleus and, in particular, reactive dyes of this type containing two or more reactive components.

[0002] Dyes are known which contain a halobenzene nucleus linked via an azo group to another aromatic nucleus such that the halobenzene nucleus forms part of the chromophoric chain (see for example GB-A-882001). Dyes of this type which contain two such halobenzene nuclei are disclosed in CA64,14316d (1966), which is an English language abstract of an article by Matsui et al, Yuki Gosei Kagaku Kyokai Shi (1966), 24(2), 132-136.

[0003] Dyes are also known in which the halobonzene nucleus is attached to a chromophoric group by a sulphonamide or amide linkage; see, for example, GB-A-978162 and CA59,12949 g (1963), which is an English language abstract of an article by Matsui et al in Yuki Gosei Kagaku Kyokai Shi (1962), 20,1100-1112. Again dyes of this type may contain two such halobenzene nuclei; see GB-A-978162.

[0004] In other known dyes the halobenzene nucleus is linked to a chromophoric group by an amine linkage; see U.S. Pat. No. 3,301,847 and CA61,16193f (1964) which is an English language abstract of an article by Matsui et al in Kogyo Kagaku Zasshi, (1964), 67(1),94-97. However, such dyes contain only one reactive group.

[0005] We have now found surprisingly that dyes having at least one halobenzene nucleus linked to a chromophoric group via an amino linkage and additionally containing a second reactive group have particularly high build up, especially in warm dyeing applications.

[0006] According to the invention there is provided a dye containing

[0007] at least one chromophore D;

[0008] at least a first, halobenzene, reactive group Z1, of the formula (I) 4

[0009]  in which:

[0010] n is 1 or 2

[0011] X, or each X independently, is an electron withdrawing group; and

[0012] Y is a halogen atom;

[0013] at least a second reactive group Z2 selected from

[0014] (1) a group of the formula (I), given and defined above, but selected independently thereof;

[0015] (2) a group of the formula (II) 5

[0016]  wherein m is 1 or 2; p is 0 or 1; when m is 1, p is 1; and when m is 2, p is 0;

[0017] Y1, or each Y1 independently, is a halogen atom or an optionally substituted pyridinium group; and

[0018] T is C1-4alkoxy, C1-4thioalkoxy or N(R1) (R2), in which each of R1 and R2 independently is hydrogen, optionally substituted C1-4alkyl or optionally substituted aryl;

[0019] (3) a group of the formula (III) 6

[0020]  wherein:

[0021] x is 1, 2 or 3; y is zero, 1 or 2; and

[0022] x+y≦3;

[0023] Y2, or each Y2 independently, is a halogen atom or an optionally substituted pyridinium group; and

[0024] U or each U independently, is C1-4alkyl or C1-4alkylsulphonyl;

[0025] (4) a group of the formula (IV)

—SO2CH2CH2X1  (IV)

[0026]  wherein X1 is an eliminatable group;

[0027] (5) a group of the formula (V)

—SO2 (CH2)ZCH═CH2  (V)

[0028]  wherein z is zero or 1; and

[0029] (6) a group of formula (VI)

—W—C(R10)═CH2  (VI)

[0030]  wherein:

[0031] R10 is hydrogen, C1-4alkyl or halogen; and

[0032] W is —OC(═O)— or —N(R11)C(═O)— in which R11 is hydrogen or C1-4 alkyl;

[0033] at least a first linking group L1, linking the said first, halobenzene, reactive group Z1 to one of components (i) the or a chromophore D and (ii) the second reactive group Z2, which said first linking group L1 presents an amino nitrogen to the reactive group Z1 and to the component (i) or (ii) or, when component (i) contains a heterocyclic nitrogen atom, is linked directly to the nitrogen atom and which said first linking group L1 optionally includes a hydrocarbon bridging group, which hydrocarbon bridging group B has at least two carbon atoms, is optionally substituted, optionally includes at least one hetero atom and is optionally a chromophore; and

[0034] when Z2 is selected from the said groups (I)-(III), at least a second linking group L2 linking the second reactive group Z2 to one of (i) the or a chromophore D and (ii) the said first reactive group Z1, which said linking group L2 is selected from

[0035] (1) a linking group L1, but selected independently thereof; or

[0036] (2) an amide linkage; and

[0037] (3) a sulphonamide linkage; and

[0038] optionally at least one aromatic group Ar which, when Z2 is selected from the said groups (IV)-(VI), may carry the said reactive group Z2.

[0039] Preferably, the linking group L1 has the formula (VII)1

N(R)  (VII)1

[0040] wherein R is hydrogen or optionally substituted C1-4alkyl, such that the same amino group presents itself to each of the reactive group Z1 and the component (i) or (ii), as defined above; or

[0041] is a piperazinoalkylamino group of the formula (VII)2 7

[0042]  wherein each R, independently, is as defined above, such that respective amino nitrogens, one of the piperazine group and the other of the alkylamino group, present themselves respectively, to the reactive group Z1 and to the component (i) or (ii), as defined above; or

[0043] has the formula (VII)3

—N(R)BN(R)—  (VII)3

[0044]  wherein B is a hydrocarbon bridging group as defined above, each R, independently, is as defined above and B is optionally linked additionally to at least one additional group —N(R).

[0045] The hydrocarbon bridging group B may be a straight or branched, optionally substituted, C2-6alkylene group optionally interrupted by at least one hetero atom, for example, O, S or N. Optional substituents are OH alkoxy, carboxy, carboxylic ester or carboxamide. Alternatively the bonding group B may be an optionally substituted arylene especially phenylene group. Optional substituents are SO3H and salts thereof, C1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy and chloro. The bridging group B is especially preferably an optionally substituted aryl group.

[0046] An especially preferred dye embodying the invention has the formula (VIII)

Z1-L1-D-(L2)a-Z2  (VIII)

[0047] wherein:

[0048] D is a chromophore;

[0049] each of L1 and L2 is an amine or piperazine linkage of the formula

—N(R)—  (VII)1; 8

—N(R)BN(R)—  (VII)3

[0050]  wherein:

[0051] R, or each R independently, is hydrogen or C1-4 alkyl;

[0052] B is a hydrocarbon bridging group which has at least two carbon atoms, is optionally substituted, optionally includes at least one hetero atom and is optionally a chromophore;

[0053] a is zero or 1; and

[0054] b is from 2 to 6 inclusive;

[0055] Z1 is a group 9

[0056]  in which:

[0057] n is 1 or 2;

[0058] X, or each X independently, is an electron withdrawing group; and

[0059] Y is a halogen atom; and

[0060] when a is 1, Z2 is:

[0061] a group of the formula (I), given and defined above but selected independently thereof; or

[0062] a group of the formula (II) 10

[0063]  wherein:

[0064] m is 1 or 2; p is 0 or 1; when m is 1, p is 1; and when m is 2, p is 0;

[0065] Y1, or each Y1 independently, is a halogen atom or an optionally substituted pyridinium group; and

[0066] T is C1-4 alkoxy, thioalkoxy or N(R1) (R2) in which R1 is hydrogen, optionally substituted C1-4 alkyl or optionally substituted aryl and

[0067] R2 is hydrogen or optionally substituted C1-4 alkyl; or

[0068] a group of the formula (III) 11

[0069]  wherein:

[0070] x is 1, 2 or 3; y is zero, 1 or 2; and x+y≦3;

[0071] Y2, or each Y2 independently, is a halogen atom; and

[0072] U, or each U independently, is C1-4 alkyl or C1-4 alkylsulphonyl; and

[0073] when a is zero, Z2 is:

—SO2CH2CH2X1  (IV)

[0074]  in which X1 is an eliminatable group; or

—SO2 (CH2)ZCH═CH2  (V)

[0075]  wherein z is zero or 1; or

[0076] a group of formula (VI)

—W—C(R10)═CH2  (VI)

[0077]  wherein:

[0078] R10 is hydrogen, C1-4alkyl or halogen; and

[0079] W is —OC(═O)— or —N(R11)C(═O)— in which R11 is hydrogen or C1-4 alkyl.

[0080] In the halobenzene nucleus of the formula (I), X or each X independently, may be selected from nitro, cyano, alkylsulphonyl, dialkylaminosulphonyl and sulphonic acid groups and salts thereof. Preferably, X or each X independently, is selected from nitro and cyano.

[0081] The halogen atom in the halobenzene nucleus of formula (I) is preferably fluorine or chlorine.

[0082] The group R in the linking group L1 of formulae (1)-(3) may be any of hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, n- or i-propyl or n-, s- or t-butyl, but is preferably hydrogen.

[0083] In the dye of formula (VII), each of Z1 and Z2, independently, is preferably a group of the above mentioned formula (I). Moreover, it is even more preferred that each of Z1 and Z2 is the same group as the other.

[0084] However, alternatively, Z1 may be a halobenzene nucleus of the formula (I), A may be zero and Z2 a group of the formula

—SO2CH2CH2X1  (IV)

[0085] in which X1 is an eliminatable group such as OSO3H, OPO3H2 and salts of any of these, and Cl, a preferred group (IV) being

—SO2CH2CH2OSO3H (or a salt thereof)

or

SO2 (CH2)ZCH═CH2  (V)

[0086] wherein z is zero or 1.

[0087] In an other alternative range of dyes, Z1 is a halobenzene nucleus of the formula (I) above and Z2 is a halotriazine nucleus of the formula (II) 12

[0088] wherein m is 1 or 2, p is 0 or 1,

[0089] when m is 1, p is 1 and

[0090] when m is 2, p is 0;

[0091] Y1, or each Y1 independently, is a halogen atom or an optionally substituted pyridinium group; and

[0092] T is C1-4 alkoxy, C1-4thioalkoxy or N(R1) (R2) in which R1 is hydrogen, optionally substituted C1-4 alkyl or optionally substituted aryl; and

[0093] R2 is hydrogen or optionally substituted C1-4alkyl.

[0094] In the above formula (II), Y1 is preferably fluorine, chlorine or optionally substituted pyridinium which may be derived from, for example, nicotinic or isonicotinic acid or their carboxamides.

[0095] Each of R1 and R2 is preferably hydrogen, but at least one of R1 and R2 may be a C1-4 alkyl group and indeed R1 may additionally be an optionally substituted aryl, preferably phenyl, group.

[0096] When such a C1-4 alkyl or aryl group is substituted, a preferred substituent is hydroxyl, amino, halo, carboxy or sulpho.

[0097] In yet another alternative dye in accordance with the invention, Z1 is a halobenzene nucleus of the formula (I) and Z2 is a halopyrimidine nucleus of the formula 13

[0098] wherein x is 1, 2 or 3; y is 0, 1 or 2; and x+y≦3;

[0099] Y2, or each Y2 independently, is halogen atom; and

[0100] U, or each U independently, is C1-4alkyl or C1-4alkylsulphonyl.

[0101] In the above formula (III) Y2 is preferably fluorine or chlorine.

[0102] A preferred range of dyes embodying the invention has the formula (XXX)

Z1-L1-D[L3]q-[Z3-L4r[J1]s[L2]aZ2[L5-J2]t  (XXX)

[0103] wherein:

[0104] Z3 is a third reactive group selected from the groups of the formulae (I)-(III), given and defined above;

[0105] each of J1 and J2, independently, is an optionally substituted aryl group or a chromophore;

[0106] L3 is a linking group linking Z3 and D;

[0107] L4 is a linking group linking Z3 and J1;

[0108] L5 is a linking group linking Z2 and J2;

[0109] each of q, r, s and t independently, is zero or 1;

[0110] each of Z1, Z2, L1, L2 and a is as defined above; and

[0111] when at least one of a and t is 1, Z2 is selected from the groups of the formulae (I)-(III), given and defined above.

[0112] In one such range of dyes, q is 1, r is 1, s is 1, each of a and t is zero and Z2 is selected from the groups of the formulae (IV)-(VI), given and defined above.

[0113] In another such range, q is 1, r is 1, s is zero, a is zero and t is 1.

[0114] In a dye of the formula (XXX), each of L3 and L4, independently, is preferably selected from one of the groups of the formulae (VII)1, (VII)2 and (VII)3, given and defined above;

[0115] each of L3 and L4 is preferably a group of the formulae (VII)1, given and defined above.

[0116] In one preferred range of dyes of the formula (XXX), q is 1, r is zero, s is 1, a is zero and t is zero and in such a range L3 is preferably a group of the formula (VII)3

—N(R)BN(R)—  (VII)3

[0117] wherein B is a triazine group substituted by a non-reactive group.

[0118] In a dye of the formula (XXX), the chromophore D is preferably an azo chromophore derived from 1-hydroxy-8-aminonaphthalene substituted by at least one sulphonic acid group.

[0119] Yet another range of dyes embodying the invention has the formula

Z1-L1-D1[L3-Z3(L4-Z4)1L5-D2]k[L2]aZ2

[0120] wherein:

[0121] D1 is a first chromophore;

[0122] D2 is a second chromophore;

[0123] Z3, when present, is a third reactive group selected from the groups of the formulae (I)-(III), given and defined in claim 1;

[0124] Z4, when present, is a fourth reactive group selected from the groups of the formulae (I)-(III), given and defined in claim 1;

[0125] L3 is a linking group linking Z3 to D1;

[0126] L4 is a linking group linking Z3 to Z4;

[0127] L5 is a linking group linking D2 to one of Z3 and Z4;

[0128] each of k and l, independently, is zero or 1; and

[0129] each of Z1, Z2, L1, L2 and a is as defined in claim 1.

[0130] In one range of such dye of formula (XXXI), a is 1, Z2 is a group of the formula (I), given and defined above, k is zero and D1 is a tetrakisazo chromophore containing two residues of H-acid linked together by a group forming part of the chromophore.

[0131] In another such range, a is 1, each of Z1 and Z2 is a group of the formula (I), given and defined above, each of k and l is 1;

[0132] each of D1 and D2 is a disazo chromophore containing a respective residue of H-acid,

[0133] each of Z3 and Z4 is a group of the formula (II), given and defined above, and

[0134] L4 is a linking group of the formula (VII)2 or (VII)3, given and defined above.

[0135] In still further such ranges

[0136] (i) a is 1, Z2 is a group of the formula (I), given and defined above, k is 1 and l is 1; or

[0137] (ii) a is 1, Z2 is a group of the formula (I), given and defined above, k is 1 and l is zero.

[0138] Yet another preferred range of dyes embodying the invention has the formula (XXXII)

Z1-L1-Z3-Z3-D-Z2  (XXXII)

[0139] wherein:

[0140] Z3 is a third reactive group selected from the groups (I)-(III), given and defined above; and

[0141] L3 is a third linking group selected from the groups (VII)1, (VII)2 and (VII)3, given and defined above;

[0142] Z2 is a second reactive group selected from the groups (IV)-(VI), given and defined above; and

[0143] each of Z1 and L1 is as defined above.

[0144] In such dyes of the formula (XXXII), L1 is preferably a linking group of the formula (VII)2 or (VII)3, given and defined above and Z3 is preferably a group of the formula (II), given and defined above.

[0145] Another range of dyes embodying the invention has the formula (XXXIII)

D-L2-Z2-L1-Z1  (XXXIII)

[0146] wherein:

[0147] Z2 is selected from groups-of the formulae I-(III), given and defined above; and

[0148] each of D, Z1, L1 and L2 is as defined above.

[0149] In such dyes of the formula (XXXIII), Z2 is preferably a group of the formula (II), given and defined above and L2 is preferably a linking group selected from the groups (VII)1, (VII)2 and (VII)3, given and defined above, more preferably a group of the formula (VII)2 or

[0150] (VII)3, given and defined above; and

[0151] L1 is a group of the formula (VII)3, given and defined above, in which B is an optionally substituted aryl group, or is alternatively a chromophoric bridging group.

[0152] In the range of dyes of formulae (XXXII), a preferred chromophore D is a disazo dye containing a residue derived from H-acid and having azo groups at the 2- and 7-positions.

[0153] Another preferred chromophore D is a group of the formula 14

[0154] Other ranges of dyes embodying the invention are of the respective formulae

D2-L2-Z2-L3-D1-L1-Z1  (XXXIV)

[0155] wherein:

[0156] each of D1 and D2, independently, is a chromophore;

[0157] L3 is a linking group selected from groups of the formula (I)-(III), given and defined above; and

[0158] each of Z1, Z2, L1 and L2 is as defined above; and 15

[0159]  wherein:

[0160] each of D1 and D2, independently, is a chromophore;

[0161] L1 is a linking group selected from the groups of the formulae (I)-(III), given and defined above; and

[0162] each of Z1, Z2, L1 and L2 is as defined above; and 16

[0163]  wherein:

[0164] one of Z3 and Z4 is a reactive group Z2;

[0165] each of Z3 and Z4, independently, is a reactive group selected from the formulae (IV)-(VI), given and defined above;

[0166] each of t and u, independently, is zero or 1 and at least one of t and u is 1;

[0167] D is a chromophore;

[0168] Ar is an optionally substituted aryl group;

[0169] L1 is a group of the formula 17

[0170]  wherein each R, independently, is as defined in claim; and

[0171] Z1 is as defined above.

[0172] In such dyes of formulae (XXXVI), D is preferably a disazo dye containing a residue derived from H-acid.

[0173] In a dye embodying the invention, the or a chromophore D may contain a heterocyclic nitrogen atom, in which case the linking group may have the formula 18

[0174] wherein each of B, R and b is as defined above and the bond {circle over (1)}, is linked to the heterocyclic nitrogen atom of the chromophore.

[0175] Such dyes, may have the formula

Z1-L1-DN&Brketopenst;L2&Brketclosest;Z2&Brketopenst;L5-Ar]t

[0176] wherein:

[0177] DN is a chromophore containing a heterocyclic group including a nitrogen atom;

[0178] L1 is a group of the formula (VII)4 or (VII)5, given and defined above, directly attached via the bond {circle over (1)}, to the nitrogen atom of the said chromophore DN;

[0179] Ar is an optionally substituted aryl group;

[0180] and each of Z1, Z2, L2, L5, a and t is as defined above.

[0181] A typical chromophore D containing a heterocyclic nitrogen atom has the formula 19

[0182] In the above formulae, wherever L5-L5, J1, J2 or B is or has an optionally substituted phenyl group, optional substituents are SO3H or a salt thereof, C1-4alkyl, especially methyl and chloro, especially SO3H.

[0183] Again, in all of the above formulae, where the groups Z2 is any of the groups of the formulae (I)-(III), it is most preferably of the formula (II).

[0184] Likewise in all such formulae, where Z2 is any of the groups (IV)-(VI), it is most preferably of the formula (IV) or (V) wherein Z is zero.

[0185] In a dye according to the invention, in general, the or each chromophoric group independently preferably comprises an azo (which may be a monoazo, polyazo or metal complex azo), anthraquinone, hydrazone, phthalocyanine, triphenodioxazine or formazan group. Examples of chromophoric groups which may be present are those given as types (a)-(g) of the group “D1,” in formula (I) of U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,899, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0186] Preferred azo groups are monoazo and disazo groups. Preferred monoazo groups have the formula

—Ar1-N═N—Ar2

[0187] wherein Ar1 is an aryl or heteroaryl group and Ar2 is an aryl group.

[0188] It is preferred that each aryl group independently is a mono- or di-cyclic aryl group. Preferred aryl groups are optionally substituted phenyl and optionally substituted naphthyl. Preferred heteroaryl groups are pyridonyl and pyrazolonyl.

[0189] A first preferred monoazo group is of the Formula (IX) (or salt thereof) 20

[0190] wherein:

[0191] Ar1 is an aryl group, preferably a benzene or naphthalene nucleus;

[0192] R3, or each R3 independently, is C1-4 alkyl, nitro, halo or sulphonic acid or a salt thereof;

[0193] c is zero or 1 to 4;

[0194] R4, or each R4 independently, is a sulphonic acid or a salt thereof; and

[0195] d is 1 or 2;

[0196] and is more preferably of the formula: 21

[0197] wherein each of Ar1, R3 and a are as defined above, R4 is sulpho and c is zero or 1.

[0198] Ar1 is preferably optionally substituted phenyl or naphthyl, especially a phenyl or naphthyl group having at least one sulpho substituent. Further optional substituents which may be present on Ar include a halogen atom, especially chlorine; an alkyl radical, especially C1-4 alkyl, more especially methyl; an acylamido radical, especially-acetylamino, benzamido or sulphonated benzamido; amino; hydroxy; and an alkoxy radical, especially C1-4 alkoxy, more especially methoxy.

[0199] As examples of phenyl groups having at least one sulpho substituent there may be mentioned 2-, 3- or 4-sulphophenyl; 2-sulpho-4-nitrophenyl; 2-sulpho-5-nitrophenyl; 4-sulpho-2-methylphenyl; 5-sulpho-2-methylphenyl; 2-sulpho-4-methylphenyl; 5-sulpho-2-methoxyphenyl; 2-sulpho-4-methoxyphenyl; 4-sulpho-2-chlorophenyl; 5-acetamido-2-sulphophenyl; 5-sulpho-2-carboxyphenyl; 2,4-disulphophenyl; 2,5-disulphophenyl; and 3,5-disulphophenyl.

[0200] As examples of naphthyl groups having at least one sulpho substituent there may be mentioned 1-sulphonaphth-2-yl; 1,5-disulphonaphth-2-yl; 1,5,7-trisulphonaphth-2-yl; 3,6,8-trisulphonaphth-2-yl; 5,7-disulphonaphth-2-yl; 6-sulphonaphth-2-yl; 4-,5-,6-, or 7-sulphonaphth-1-yl; 4,8-disulphonaphth-1-yl; 3,8-disulphonaphth-1-yl; 2,5,7-trisulphonaphth-1-yl; and 3,5,7-trisulphonaphth-1-yl.

[0201] Preferred optional substituents which may be present on the naphthalene nucleus of Formula (IX) are those mentioned above for Ar1.

[0202] Groups of the Formula (IX) are preferably linked to a group L1 or L2 at the 6-, 7- or 8-position, especially the 6- or 8-position. When L1 or L2 is to be linked at the 8-position, it is preferred that R5 is a sulpho group at the 5- or 6-position.

[0203] Thus a preferred monoazo dye embodying the invention has the formula (XVII) 22

[0204] wherein:

[0205] each R independently and a is as defined above;

[0206] one of Z3 and Z4 is a group Z1 and the other is a group Z2;

[0207] the group Z4 is selected from the groups of the formulae (I)-(III), given and defined above.

[0208] Ar1 is a benzene or naphthalene nucleus;

[0209] R3, or each R1 independently, is C1-4 alkyl, nitro, halo or sulphonic acid or salt thereof;

[0210] c is zero or 1-4;

[0211] R4, or each R4 independently, is a sulphonic acid or a salt thereof; and

[0212] d is 1 or 2.

[0213] A preferred disazo group is of the Formula (XI) (or salt thereof):

Ar1-N═N-M-N═N-E  (XI)

[0214] wherein:

[0215] M and E are each independently optionally substituted phenylene or naphthalene; and

[0216] Ar1 is as defined above.

[0217] It is preferred-that E is optionally substituted naphthalene and M is optionally substituted phenylene. The optional substituents which may be present on M or E are preferably independently selected from halo, especially chloro; alkoxy, especially C1-4 alkoxy; alkyl, especially methyl; sulpho; carboxy; hydroxy; amino; acylamino, especially acetamido, benzamido and sulphonated benzamido, and pyrimidinylamino or triazinylamino cellulose-reactive groups.

[0218] As Examples of groups represented by M and E, there may be mentioned phenylene, 2-methyl-1,4-phenylene, sulphophenylene, ureidophenylene, 7-sulpho-1,4-naphthalene, 6-sulpho-1,4-naphthalene; 8-sulpho-1,4-naphthalene and 6-hydroxy-4-sulpho-1,5-naphthalene.

[0219] An especially preferred range of disazo-dyes has the formula (XVIII) 23

[0220] wherein:

[0221] one of Z5 and Z6 is a group Z1 and the other is a group Z2;

[0222] each of f and g independently is zero or 1;

[0223] when Z5 or Z6 is any of the groups of the formulae (I)-(III), given and defined above, f or q respectively is 1 and when Z5 or Z6 is any of the groups of the formulae (IV)-(VI), given and defined above, f or g respectively is zero;

[0224] each of c and e, independently, is zero or 1-4;

[0225] d is 1 or 2;

[0226] each R independently is as defined above;

[0227] each of Ar1 and Ar2 independently is an optionally substituted aryl group; and

[0228] each of R3 and R4 is as defined above.

[0229] In a dye of the formula (XVIII), each of Z5 and Z6 may be the same group 24

[0230] wherein X, Y and n are as defined above.

[0231] Alternatively, one of Z5 and Z6 may be a group of the formula (I), given and defined above, and the other of Z5 and Z6 may be selected from groups of the formulae (II) and (III), given and defined above. In such a dye it is preferred that one of Z5 and Z6 is a group of the formula (I), given and defined above, and the other of Z5 and Z6 is a group of the formula (II).

[0232] Another especially preferred range of disazo dyes has the formula 25

[0233] wherein:

[0234] B is a hydrocarbon bridging group as defined above, and preferably an optionally substituted aryl group;

[0235] one of G1 and G2 is OH and the other is NH2;

[0236] each of X, Y, Y1,Ar1, Ar2, R3, R4, R5, c, d and

[0237] e is as defined above.

[0238] In a dye of the formula (XVIII), one of Z5 and Z6 may be a group 26

[0239] wherein:

[0240] X, Y and n are as defined in claim 1 and the other of Z5 and Z6 is the group —SO2CH2CH2OSO3H or —SO2CH═CH2.

[0241] Typically such a dye has the formula 27

[0242] wherein G3 is C2H4OSO3H or a salt thereof or —CH═CH2;

[0243] G1 and G2 are as defined above;

[0244] R4 and d are as defined above; and

[0245] each of h and i, independently, is zero, 1 or 2.

[0246] A more preferred range of such dyes has the formula 28

[0247] where each of G1G2 and G3 is as defined above.

[0248] When the chromophore D is an anthraquinone, a preferred anthraquinone group is of the Formula (XII) (or a salt thereof). 29

[0249] wherein the anthraquinone nucleus optionally contains a sulphonic acid group in the 5-, 6-, 7-, or 8-position and V is a divalent organic linking group, preferably of the benzene series.

[0250] V is a bridging group B, preferably phenylene, diphenylene, or 4,4′-divalent stilbene or azobenzene radicals which are optionally sulphonated. It is preferred that V contains one sulphonic acid group for each benzene ring present therein.

[0251] A preferred anthraquinone dye of has the formula

DA-L3-Ar-L2-Z2-L1Z1

[0252] wherein:

[0253] DA is an anthraquinone chromophore;

[0254] L3 is a linking of the formula (VII)1, given and defined above;

[0255] Ar is an optionally substituted aryl group; and each of Z1, Z2, L1 and L2 is as defined above.

[0256] More preferably each of L1 and L2 independently, is a linking group of the formula (VII)1, (VII)2 or (VII)3, given and defined above; and still more preferably, each of L1 and L2, independently is a group of the formula (VII)3, given and defined above, in which B is an optionally substituted aryl group.

[0257] When the chromophore D is a phthalocyanine, a preferred phthalocyanine group is of the Formula (XIII) (or a salt thereof). 30

[0258] wherein Pc is a metallo-phthalocyanine nucleus, preferably copper or nickel phthalocyanine; L is as hereinbefore defined; each W independently is a hydroxy or a substituted or unsubstituted amino group, V1 is a divalent organic linking group, preferably a C14-alkylene or phenylene linking group; and a and b are each independently 1, 2 or 3 provided that a+b is not greater than 4.

[0259] Preferably such a metal phthalocyanine dye has the formula 31

[0260] wherein:

[0261] Cu Pc is a copper phthalocyanine chromophore;

[0262] X+Y+Z≦4;

[0263] each of R21 and R22, independently, is hydrogen or optionally substituted C1-4alkyl;

[0264] B is a hydrocarbon bridging group; and

[0265] Z1 is as defined above.

[0266] When the chromophore D is a triohenodioxazine a preferred triphenodioxazine group is of the Formula (XIV) (or a salt thereof). 32

[0267] wherein:

[0268] each Y3 independently is a covalent bond, C2-4-alkylene, phenylene or sulphophenylene;

[0269] U1 is H or SO3H; and

[0270] T1 and T2 are halo, especially chloro, C1-4-alkyl, or C1-4 alkoxy.

[0271] Each Y3 is preferably —C2H4— or —C3H6—, U1 is preferably SO3H and T1 and T2 are preferably Cl, methyl or ethyl.

[0272] Preferably such a triphendioxazine dye has the formula

Z1-L1-[Z3-L3]q-DT[Z4]r-L2-Z2

[0273] wherein:

[0274] DT is a triphendioxazine chromophore;

[0275] each of L2, L3 and L4, independently, is a linking group of the formula (VII)1, (VII)2 or (VII)3, given and defined above;

[0276] each of Z2, Z3 and Z4 is a reactive group selected from groups of the formulae (I)-(III), given and defined above;

[0277] each of q and r is zero or 1; and

[0278] each of Z1 and L1 is as defined above.

[0279] In such a dye, Z2 is preferably a group of the formula (I), given and defined above and each of Z3 and Z4 is a group of the formula (II), given and defined above; and each of L1, L2, L3 and L4 is preferably a group of the formula (VII)3, given and defined above.

[0280] When the chromophore D is a formazan, a preferred group is of the Formula (XV) (or a salt thereof) 33

[0281] wherein:

[0282] X1 is H, SO3H or Cl; and

[0283] each r independently has a value of 0, 1 or 2.

[0284] provided that the formazan group has at least one, and preferably at least two, sulpho groups.

[0285] It is preferred that each r has a value of 1.

[0286] Preferably such a formazan dye has the formula

[ZA]a-DF-L-ZB-L1-Z1

[0287] wherein:

[0288] DF is a formazan chromophore;

[0289] one of ZA and ZB is a group Z2, given and defined above;

[0290] each of L1 and L4 is a linking group of the formula (VII)1, (VII)2 or (VII)3, given and defined above;

[0291] each of Z1 and L1 is as defined above;

[0292] a is zero or 1;

[0293] ZA is selected from groups of the formulae (IV)-(VI), given and defined above; and

[0294] ZB is selected from groups of the formulae (I)-(III), given and defined above.

[0295] According to one process aspect, the invention provides a process for preparing a dye of the formula (VIII)

Z1-L1-D-L2-Z2  (VIII)

[0296] wherein:

[0297] D is a chromophore;

[0298] each of L1 and L2 independently, is N(R);

[0299] each R, independently, is hydrogen or C1-4alkyl;

[0300] each of Z1 and Z2 is a group 34

[0301]  in which:

[0302] n is 1 or 2

[0303] X, or each X independently, is an electron withdrawing group; and

[0304] Y is a halogen atom,

[0305]  which process comprises reacting a chromophoric compound of the formula (XX)

H(R)N-D-N(R)H  (XX)

[0306]  wherein each of D and R is as defined above, with at least two moles, per mole of the chromophoric compound of the formula (XX), of a dihalobenzene component comprising at least one dihalobenzene compound of the formula (XXI) 35

[0307]  wherein each of X, Y and n is as defined above, to obtain the dye of the formula (VIII)1.

[0308] When the dye is of the formula (XVIII) given above, the chromophoric compound of the formula (XX) can be prepared by protecting one amino group of a phenylene diamine sulphonic acid and then diazotising this and coupling a first portion of the diazotised phenylene diamine sulphonic acid to the naphthalene nucleus under acid conditions so as to couple on to the benzene ring of the naphthalene nucleus containing an amino group and then taking a second portion of the same diazotised and protected phenylene diamine sulphonic acid compound referred to above (or a different such compound) and coupling this under neutral or alkaline conditions to the benzene ring of the naphthalene nucleus containing a hydroxyl group to obtain a diamine dyestuff having respective protected amino groups. The protective group can then be removed by hydrolysis.

[0309] According to another process aspect, the invention provides a process for preparing a dye of the formula (VIII)1

Z1-L1-D-L2-Z2  (VIII)2

[0310] wherein:

[0311] D is a chromophore;

[0312] each of L1 and L2 independently, is N(R);

[0313] each R, independently, is hydrogen or C1-4alkyl;

[0314] Z1 is a group 36

[0315]  in which:

[0316] n is 1 or 2

[0317] X, or each X independently, is an electron withdrawing group; and

[0318] Y is a halogen atom; and

[0319] Z2 is selected from the groups (II) and (III) defined above;

[0320]  which process comprises reacting a chromophoric compound of the formula (XX)

H(R)N-D-N(R)H  (XX)

[0321]  wherein each of D and R is as defined above, with one mole, per mole of the chromophoric compound of the formula (XX), of each of

[0322] (a) a dihalobenzene compound of the formula (XXI) 37

[0323]  wherein each of Z, X, Y and n is as defined above; and

[0324] (b) a compound selected from 38

[0325]  wherein:

[0326] m is 1 or 2; p is 0 or 1; when m is 1, p is 1; and when m is 2, p is 0;

[0327] Y1, or each Y1 independently, is a halogen atom or an optionally substituted pyridinium group; and

[0328] T is C1-4alkoxy, C1-4thioalkoxy or N(R1) (R2) in which each of R1 and R2 independently is hydrogen, optionally substituted C1-4alkyl or optionally substituted aryl;

[0329] x is 1, 2 or 3; y is zero, 1 or 2; and x+y≦3;

[0330] Y2, or each Y2 independently, is a halogen atom or an optionally substituted pyridinium group;

[0331] U or each U independently, is C1-4alkyl or C1-4alkylsulphonyl; and

[0332] Y is as defined above;

[0333]  the said reactions of the compound of the formula (XX) with each of the respective compounds of the formulae (XII) and (XIII) being carried out simultaneously or one before the other, in either order, to obtain a dye of the formula (VIII)2.

[0334] According to yet another process aspect, the invention provides a process for preparing a dye of the formula (VIII)3

Z1-L1-D-Z2  (VIII)3

[0335] wherein:

[0336] D is a chromophore

[0337] L1 is N(R), in which R is hydrogen or C1-4alkyl;

[0338] Z1 is a group 39

[0339]  in which n is 1 or 2; X, or each X independently, is an electron withdrawing group; and Y is a hydrogen atom; and Z2 is a group of the formula (IV)

—SO2CH2CH2X1  (IV)

[0340]  wherein X1 is an eliminatable group;

[0341] a group of the formula (V)

—SO2(CH2)ZCH═CH2  (V)

[0342]  wherein z is zero or 1; and

[0343] a group of formula (VI)

—W—C(R10)═CH2  (VI)

[0344]  wherein:

[0345] R10 is hydrogen, C1-4alkyl or halogen; and

[0346] W is —OC(═O)— or —N(R11)C(═O)— in which R11 is hydrogen or C1-4alkyl;

[0347]  which process comprises reacting a chromophoric compound of the formula (XXIV)

H(R)N-D-Z2  (XXIV)

[0348]  wherein D and Z2 are as defined above, with a dihalobenzene compound of the formula (XXI) 40

[0349]  wherein each of X, Y and n is as defined above, to obtain the dye of the formula (VIII)3.

[0350] Although dye formulae have been shown in the form of their free acid in this specification, the invention also includes dyes and processes using dyes in the salt form, particularly their salts with alkali metals such as the potassium, sodium, lithium or mixed sodium/lithium salt and their salts with tetraalkylammonium ions.

[0351] The dyes may be used for dyeing, printing or ink-jet printing, for example, of textile materials and paper.

[0352] The process for colouration is preferably performed at a pH of 7.1 to 13, more preferably 10 to 12. pH levels above 7 can be achieved by performing the process for colouration in the presence of an acid-binding agent.

[0353] The substrate may be any of a textile material, leather, paper, hair or film, but is preferably a natural or artificial textile material containing amino or hydroxyl groups, for example textile material such as wool, silk, polyamides and modified polyacrylonitrile fibres, and more preferably a cellulosic material, especially cotton, viscose and regenerated cellulose, for example, that commercially available as Tencel. For this purpose the dyes can be applied to the textile materials at a pH above 7 by, for example, exhaust dyeing, padding or printing, including ink-jet printing. Textile materials are coloured bright shades and possess good fastness to light and wet treatments such as washing.

[0354] The new dyes are particularly valuable for colouring cellulosic textile materials. For this purpose, the dyes are preferably applied to the cellulosic textile material at a pH above 7 in conjunction with a treatment with an acid binding agent.

[0355] Preferred acid-binding agents include alkali metal carbonates, bicarbonates, hydroxides, metasilicates and mixtures thereof, for example sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium metasilicate, sodium hydroxide and the corresponding potassium salts. The dyes benefit from the excellent build-up and high fixation.

[0356] At least for cellulosic materials, exhaust dyeing can be carried out at a relatively low temperature of about 50-70° C., especially about 60° C.

[0357] The new dyes can be applied to textile material containing amine groups, such as wool and polyamide textile materials, from a neutral to mildly alkaline dyebath. The dyeing process can be carried out at a constant or substantially constant pH, that is to say that the pH of the dyebath remains constant or substantially constant during the dyeing process, or if desired the pH of the dyebath can be altered at any stage of the dyeing process.

[0358] The dyes may be in a liquid form, or solid form, for example in granular or powdered form.

[0359] We find surprisingly that such dyes give a much higher build up, as compared with known dyestuffs, particularly in warm dyeing applications at about 60° C.

[0360] In addition, a wide selection of dye backbones is possible, giving the potential to provide high fastness dyes.

[0361] Dyes embodying the invention are especially useful for application to substrates by ink-jet technologies. Substrates which are particularly useful are cellulosic textiles and paper.

[0362] The dye used in the ink is preferably purified by removal of substantially all the inorganic salts and by-products which are generally present in a commercial dye at the end of its synthesis. Such purification assists in the preparation of a low viscosity aqueous solution suitable for use in an ink jet printer.

[0363] To assist in the achievement of heavy depths of shades the dye should preferably have a water-solubility of at least 5%, and more preferably from 5% to 25%, by weight. Solubility of the dye can be enhanced by converting the sodium salt, in which form it is normally synthesised, either partially or wholly, into the lithium or ammonium salt. Purification and ion exchange can conveniently be effected by use of membrane separation processes which permit the separation of unwanted inorganic materials and by-products directly from an aqueous solution or dispersion of the dye followed by partial or complete exchange of the counter-ion. The ink preferably contains up to 20% by weight of dye and more preferably from 2% to 10%, especially from 3% to 8%.

[0364] The ink may also contain a humectant, which may also function as a water miscible solvent, which preferably comprises a glycol or dihydroxyglycolether, or mixture thereof, in which one or both hydroxy groups are secondary hydroxy groups, such as propane-1,2-diol, butane-1,3-diol and 3-(3-hydroxy-prop-2-oxy)propan-2-ol.

[0365] Where the humectant has a primary hydroxy group this is prefereably attached to a carbon atom adjacent to a carbon atom carrying a secondary or tertiary hydroxy group. The humectant may comprise up to a total of 10% by weight of a polyol, especially a glycol or dihydroxyglycolether, having two or more primary hydroxy groups, such as ethyleneglycol, propane-1,3-diol, butane-1,4-diol,2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethanol and 2-(2-[2-hydroxyethoxy)ethanol and/or an alcohol with a primary hydroxy group, such as ethanol, n-propanol and n-butanol. However, it preferably contains not more than 5% by weight, and is more preferably free from, such compounds. In the context of the humectant, the term “alcohol” means a compound having only one hydroxy group attached to an aliphatic carbon atom. The ink preferably contains from 5% to 25%, by weight, more especially from 10% to 20%, of humectant.

[0366] If desired, the ink may be buffered to a pH from 5 to 8, especially to a pH from 6 to 7, with a buffer such as the sodium salt of metanilic acid or an alkali metal phosphate, or di- or triethanolamine.

[0367] The ink preferably also contains one or more preservatives to inhibit the growth of fungi, bacteria and/or algae because these can block the jet of the ink jet printing equipment. Where the ink jet printing technique involves the charging and electrically controlled deflection of drops the solution preferably contains a conducting material such as an ionised salt to enhance the accumulation of charge on the drop. Suitable salts for this purpose are alkali metal salts of mineral acids. The remainder of the ink is preferably water, especially de-ionised water to avoid the introduction of impurities into the ink.

[0368] Especially preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the following Examples in which all parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise stated. Although preparation and dyeing with any single dye is exemplified, particular advantage could be seen when dyeing with mixtures of dyes.

PREPARATIVE EXAMPLES

Example 1

[0369] 2-amino-4-(N-acetyl)aminobenzene-1-sulphonic acid (0.5M, 182 g) was dissolved in water (600 ml) at pH 7 and 2M sodium nitrite solution added (0.526M, 263 ml). This solution was added dropwise to a mixture of hydrochloric acid 35% (1.13M, 100 ml, SG=1.18) and ice (1 Kg), maintaining a temperature of 0-5° C. The mixture was stirred for 0.5 hrs with excess nitrous acid at 0-5° C. A solution of sulphamic acid (10%) was added to remove excess nitrous acid to obtain a suspension of a diazotized diamine for coupling.

[0370] H-Acid (0.475M, 183 g) was dissolved in water (800 ml) at pH 7.5. This solution was added dropwise to the above diazo suspension with good agitation over 1 hr at 0-2° C. The mixture was then stirred at 0-2° C. for a further 2 hrs at pH 2-3, and allowed to warm to room temperature over 18 hrs.

[0371] The viscous suspension was adjusted to pH 6 using sodium hydroxide solution (46/48%) and a solution of a monoazo dye was thereby obtained.

[0372] The above monoazo dye solution was cooled to 0-5° C. and a batch of the diazotized diamine prepared as above was added. The mixture was stirred at 0-5° C. and pH 6-7 for 2 hrs and subsequently over 18 hrs at room temperature while maintaining the pH at 6-7 using 2M sodium carbonate solution, thereby obtaining a disazo dye solution.

[0373] Hydrolysis was then carried out by adding sodium hydroxide solution (46/48%, 800 g) to the above disazo dye solution (vol=5L) and heating at 70-75° C. for 1.5 hrs.

[0374] The reaction mixture was cooled to 20° C. and neutralised by controlled addition of 35% hydrochloric acid. After screening to remove a small amount of impurity sodium chloride was added (15% w/v) and stirring continued to allow precipitation of the resultant diaminodisazo product. This was collected by filtration and dried at 40° C. (285 g; 0.242M; strength =68.3%).

[0375] The above diaminodisazo dye (0.01M, 11.78 g) was dissolved in water/acetone (100 ml, 1:1) at 50° C. A solution of 1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (0.023M, 4.7 g taken as 100% strength) in acetone (20 ml) was added over 0.25 hr and the mixture heated at 55° C. for 3 hrs. The pH was maintained at 7 throughout the reaction by the addition of 2N sodium carbonate solution.

[0376] The reaction mixture was cooled to 20° C. and acetone (150 ml) added to precipitate the dye. The product was collected by filtration and washed with acetone (50 ml) and dried at 40° C. to give a greenish-navy dye (11.12 g; 0.0075M; strength=74.8%)(&lgr;Max=607 nm; &egr;Max=57,036).

Example 2

[0377] The method of Example 1 was followed except that the diaminodisazo was reacted with 1,5-dichloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene in place of 1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene to give a greenish-navy dye (&lgr;Max=607 nm; &egr;Max=48,212).

Example 3

[0378] The method of Example 1 was followed except that the diaminodisazo was reacted with 1,5-difluoro-2-cyan-4-nitrobenzene in place of 1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene to give a greenish-navy dye (&lgr;Max=607 nm; &egr;Max=56,416).

Example 4

[0379] The method of Example 1 was followed except that the diaminodisazo was reacted with 1,5-difluoro-2-nitrobenzene in place of 1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene to give a greenish-navy dye (&lgr;aMax=608 nm; &egr;Max=54,660).

Example 5

[0380] 4-Amino benzene sulphatoethylsulphone (0.1M, 30 g) was stirred in ice/water (400 ml) and hydrochloric acid 35% (0.58M, 52 ml, SG=1.18) and the temperature maintained at below 5° C. 2M Sodium nitrite solution (0.104M, 52 ml) was added dropwise at below 5° C. and the mixture stirred for a further 2 hours. A solution of sulphamic acid was added (10%) to remove excess nitrous acid and provide a diazo suspension for coupling.

[0381] H-Acid (0.103M, 42.6 g) was dissolved in water (300 ml) at pH 6 and the solution cooled to 5° C. This solution was added dropwise to the above diazo suspension with good agitation, while maintaining the temperature below 5° C. The mixture was then stirred for 18 hours, allowing the temperature to rise to 20° C. Sodium chloride (10% w/v) was added and the mixture stirred for 1 hour. The precipitated monoazo dye was collected by filtration and reslurried in ethanol (600 ml) for 1 hour at 20° C. The product was collected by filtration and dried at 40° C. (70 g; 0.0825M; strength =72%).

[0382] 3-Amino-5′-fluoro-2′,4′-dinitrodiphenylamine-4-sulphonic acid (0.0068M, 3.2 g) was dissolved in water (100 ml) at 50-60° C. and the solution cooled to 20° C. 2M Sodium nitrite solution (0.008M, 4 ml) was added and the mixture cooled to 0-2° C. and added dropwise to ice (50 g) and hydrochloric acid 35% (0.09M, 8 ml), while maintaining the temperature at 0-2° C. The resulting yellow suspension was stirred at 0-2° C. for 0.5 hour and a solution of sulphamic acid (10%) added to remove excess nitrous acid and provide a diazo suspension for coupling.

[0383] The diazo suspension was then added dropwise to a solution of the above monoazo dye (0.006M, 5.1 g) in water (150 ml) at pH 5 and 0-2° C. The pH of the coupling mixture was maintained at pH 5 by the addition of 2M sodium carbonate solution and stirred at this pH for 18 hours, allowing the temperature to rise to 20° C. Sodium chloride was added (20% w/v) and the product collected by filtration. The solid was reslurried in ethanol (100 ml) for 1 hour at 20° C., collected by filtration and dried at 40° C. to obtain a greenish-navy dye (4.4 g; 0.003M; strength =67%) (&lgr;Max=603 nm; &egr;Max=54,279) of the structure given below: 41

Examples 6-61

[0384] Other disazo naphthalene structures embodying the invention are shown as Examples 6 to 61 in Table 1. They can be prepared by methods analogous to those outlined in Examples 1 to 5.

Examples 62-67

[0385] Still further disazo naphthalene dyes embodying the invention, in which the chromophore has been doubled up via a linking group, are shown in Examples 62 to 67 in Table 2.

Example 68

[0386] This Example describes how a dye may be synthesised where the fibre-reactive halobenzene group is attached via a linking diamine to a second fibre-reactive group, and thereby to a chromophore. 42

[0387] The N-dichlorotriazinyl derivative of the azo dye resulting from azo-coupling 7-aminonaphthalene-1,3,6-trisulphonic acid with m-ureidoaniline was prepared by conventional means. A solution of this dye (35 mmol in 450 ml) was added at room temperature with stirring to N-(4-aminophenyl)piperazine (7.5 g, 42 mmol) dissolved in 50/50 acetone/water (400 ml) maintained at pH 6-6.5 by addition of sodium carbonate solution. After completion of the reaction the solution was concentrated, and the product was precipitated by addition of methylated spirit. To a solution of this intermediate (8.4 mmol) in 50/50 acetone/water (200 ml) was added a solution of 1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (8.5 mmol) in acetone (20 ml), maintaining the pH at 8.5 by addition of sodium carbonate solution. On completion of the reaction, the pH was adjusted to 6.5 and the solution was concentrated to ca 100 ml. Methylated spirit was added, and the product dye was filtered, washed with meths and dried. &lgr;max(water)=379 nm, &egr;max=33000 l mol−1 cm−1, half band width >150 nm. This material dyed cotton a bright golden yellow shade with very good fastness properties.

Examples 69-77

[0388] By following the principles described in Example 68, dyes of a similar nature may be prepared as further exemplified by dyes 69-77 listed in Table 3.

Examples 78-97

[0389] Disazo naphthalene dyes containing two reactive groups attached to the chromophore as described in Example 68 are exemplified by Examples 78 to 97 listed in Table 4.

Examples 98-127

[0390] Further yellow dyes may be prepared by the methods described in Examples 1-6 and 68, and are listed in Tables 5 to 9.

Examples 128-160

[0391] Monoazo naphthalene dyes embodying the invention are listed in Tables 10 to 12.

Examples 161-189

[0392] A variety of dyes embodying the invention, containing blue and green chromophores, are listed in Tables 13 to 16.

APPLICATION EXAMPLES

Examples 190-192

[0393] Each of the dyes (0.2 parts) of respective Examples 1, 3 and 5 was dissolved in respective amounts of water (50 parts) at 25° C. and pH 9. Cotton fabric (5 parts) and Glaubers salt (2.5 parts) were added. The dyes were fixed to the cotton by raising the temperature to between 50° C.-60° C., basifying to pH 11.0 and maintaining this for 1 hr. The cotton was removed and washed in soapy water to give a dark greenish-navy cotton having high general fastness properties.

Examples 193 and 194

[0394] Each of the dyes (0.2 parts) of respective Examples 2 and 4 was dissolved in water (50 parts) at 25° C. and pH 9. Cotton fabric (5 parts) and salt (4 parts) were added. The dyes were fixed to cotton by raising the temperature to 80-100° C. and maintaining this for 1 hr. The cotton was removed and washed in soapy water to give a deep greenish-navy cotton having good fastness properties.

Examples 195-198

[0395] Methodology for applying dyes embodying the present invention to cotton may be further exemplified by means of the following pad-batch dyeing protocol.

Example 195-198

[0396] Example 195.-Dye from Example 5 (0.5 parts) was dissolved in water (30 parts) at 25° C. and the following agents were added: Primasol NF (1 part of 20% solution) and sodium silicate Q70 (9.5 parts of 50% solution), sodium hydroxide (5.1 parts of 10% solution). The solution was made up to 50 parts by addition of water, and then padded onto woven cotton fabric (70% pick-up) The cloth was wrapped in cling film and batched at room temperature for 24 hours. The cling film was removed and the dyed cloth was rinsed successively with cold water and hot water, then washed with a soap solution, rinsed with water, and dried to give cotton coloured a dull greenish blue shade.

Example 196

[0397] If the amount of dye used in Example 193 is doubled and the procedure repeated, a greenish-navy shade is obtained.

Example 197

[0398] If the amount of dye used in Example 193 is trebled and the procedure repeated, a dark navy shade is obtained.

Example 198

[0399] If six times the amount of dye in Example 193 is used and the procedure repeated, an almost black shade is obtained.

[0400] Other dyes from the above Examples, particularly those containing the 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene unit and/or a vinyl sulphone group or its sulphate half-ester precursor, can be applied to cotton by the same method.

Example 199

[0401] Dyes embodying the present Invention may be applied to textile substrates, especially cotton, by conventional printing technology, as the following exemplifies.

[0402] A dye from Example 5 (30 parts) was dissolved in a solution containing Manutex F 700 (500 parts of a 10% solution) and Vitexol D (20 parts). The solution was made up to 1000 parts by the addition of water and printed by means of a Zimmer screen printer. The printed cloth was dried and padded through a solution containing sodium silicate (48degBe, 700 parts) made up to 1000 parts by the addition of water (80% pickup). Immediately after padding, the printed cotton was steamed in a Roaches Elash-ager steam chamber at 120 deg C. for 45 seconds. The printed cloth was rinsed in cold water, washed with a soap solution at the boil, rinsed again in cold water and dried to give a dull greenish navy print on the cotton.

Example 200

[0403] Dyes embodying the present invention may be used in the preparation of inks specially formulated for application by ink-jet technology. As an Example, the dye from Example 5 (6 parts) was dissolved in a solution of propylene glycol (15 parts) and water (79 parts). When this solution was applied to cotton which had previously been pretreated (for example, with a pretreatment agent described in EP-A-0534660) by means of commercial ink-jet printing equipment, deep navy shades were obtained.

[0404] Other dyes from the above examples as well as others described by the Invention may be used to prepare inks suitable for ink-jet printing.

Example 201

[0405] Reactive dyes, including those of Examples 1-189, are usually isolated as their sodium salts, and are contaminated with inorganic impurities resulting from the method of preparation. Dyes free of impurities suitable for ink jet printing, and/or with increased solubility, may be prepared by conventional ion exchange techniques, where for example sodium is replaced by lithium and inorganic impurities are simultaneously removed.

[0406] Dye from Example 1 (10 parts) was dissolved in water (100 parts) and treated on a reverse osmosis rig until the permeate conductivity was 10 micro reciprocal ohms. A solution of lithium chloride was added to the dye solution and treatment on the r.o. rig was continued until the permeate conductivity had decreased to 1 micro reciprocal ohm. The sample was concentrated to a volume of about 80 parts, after which the solution was buffered and other formulating agents were added. The dye solution was then diluted to 90 parts by addition of water, at which stage it was suitable for storage. Dye solution prepared in this way could be diluted and applied to cotton by the methods described in any of the Examples 190, 195-198, or formulated into an ink by addition of suitable humectants and/or cosolvents, and applied by ink-jet methodology to cotton, for example by the method described in Example 200. In all these cases, dull blue, greenish navy or black shades were imparted to the substrate, depending on the amount of dye applied.

Example 202

[0407] Dye from Example 1 was ion exchanged to the lithium form as in Example 201, and formulated into an ink with the composition: dye (5 parts), propylene glycol (12 parts), diethanolamine (sufficient to buffer the final pH to 7-8.5), and water (to bring the total to 100 parts). The ink was added to the ink reservoir of an ink jet printer (e.g. HP Desk Jet 500) and printed onto paper (Logic 300), to give a black print of generally good fastness properties. 1 TABLE 1 43 &lgr;max nm (W1/2 nm) Colour on Example A B cotton 6 44 45 606 (121) greenish- navy 7 46 47 607 (105) greenish- navy 8 48 49 623 (121) dark bluish- green 9 50 51 618 (121) greenish- navy 10 52 53 603 (105) greenish- navy 11 54 55 618 (130) greenish- navy 12 56 57 614 (110) dark bluish- green 13 58 59 594 (112) greenish- navy 14 60 61 595 (108) greenish- navy 15 62 63 604 (110) dark bluish green 16 64 65 645 (137) very dull dark green 17 66 67 604 (119) greenish- navy 18 68 69 603 (127) greenish- navy 19 70 71 600 (134) greenish- navy 20 72 73 596 120) greenish- navy 21 74 75 609 (111) greenish- navy 22 76 77 604 (120) greenish- navy 23 78 79 625 (104) greenish- navy 24 80 81 620 (112) dark bluish- green 25 82 83 632 (114) dark bluish- green 26 84 85 609 (141) dark bluish- green 27 86 87 602 (125) greenish- navy 28 88 89 605 (143) dark bluish- green 29 90 91 596 (129) greenish- navy 30 92 93 607 (109) greenish- navy 31 94 95 595 (107) greenish- navy 32 96 97 622 (123) greenish- navy 33 98 99 619 (114) dark bluish- green 34 100 101 606 (114) dark bluish- green 35 102 103 618 (113) dark bluish- green 36 104 105 616 (110) dark bluish- green 37 106 107 616 (106) greenish- navy 38 108 109 616 (111) dark bluish- green 39 110 111 608 (111) greenish- navy 40 112 113 608 (116) greenish- navy 41 114 115 608 (116) greenish- navy 42 116 117 616 (111) dark bluish- green 43 118 119 615 (120) dark bluish- green 44 120 121 615 (118) dark bluish- green 45 122 123 greenish- navy 46 124 125 dark bluish- green 47 126 127 greenish- navy 48 128 129 dark bluish- green 49 130 131 greenish- navy 50 132 133 dark bluish- green 51 134 135 greenish- navy 52 136 137 dark bluish- green 53 138 139 dark bluish- green 54 140 141 greenish- navy 55 142 143 dark bluish- green 56 144 145 dark bluish- green 57 146 147 greenish- navy 58 148 149 greenish- navy 59 150 151 dark bluish- green 60 152 153 dark bluish- green 61 154 155 greenish- navy

[0408] 2 TABLE 1 156 &lgr;max nm (W1/2 Ex- nm) Co- am- lour on ple A B cotton 62 157 158 609 (116) dull dark green 63 159 160 608 (112) dull dark green 64 161 162 620 (130) daull dark green 65 163 164 Green- ish- navy 66 165 166 Green- ish- navy 67 167 168 Green- ish- navy

[0409] 3 TABLE 3 169 Colour on Example L &lgr;max nm W1/2 nm cotton 69 170 415 139 Golden yellow 70 171 367 140 Golden yellow 71 172 403 200 Golden yellow 72 173 419 200 Golden yellow 73 174 366 119 Golden yellow 74 NHC2H4NH 410 170 Golden yellow 75 175 378 155 Golden yellow 76 176 389 150 Golden yellow 77 177 360 160 Golden yellow

[0410] 4 TABLE 4 178 Ex- Colour am- on ple A B X Y cotton 78 179 180 NH2 OH Green ish navy 79 181 182 OH NH2 Green ish navy 80 183 184 NH2 OH Green ish navy 81 185 186 OH NH2 Green ish navy 82 187 188 NH2 OH Green ish navy 83 189 190 OH NH2 Green ish navy 84 191 192 NH2 OH Green ish navy 85 193 194 OH NH2 Green ish navy 86 195 196 NH2 OH Green ish navy 87 197 198 OH NH2 Green ish navy 88 199 200 NH2 OH Green ish navy 89 201 202 OH NH2 Navy 90 203 204 NH2 OH Navy 91 205 206 OH NH2 Green ish navy 92 207 208 NH2 OH Green ish navy 93 209 210 OH NH2 Green ish navy 94 211 212 OH NH2 Green ish navy 95 213 214 NH2 OH Green ish navy 96 215 216 OH NH2 Green ish navy 97 217 218 OH NH2 Green ish navy

[0411] 5 TABLE 5 219 Example Structure &lgr;max nm W1/2 nm Colour on cotton 98 Dye-SC2H4OH 407 148 Golden yellow 99 Dye-N(CH3)Ph 403 138 Golden yellow 100 Dye-NHC2H4SO3H 407 129 Golden yellow 101 Dye-NHC2H4OC2H4OH 412 134 Golden yellow 102 Dye-C6H3-m-SO3H 409 143 Golden yellow 103 Dye-NHC2H4NH-Dye Golden yellow 104 220 412 130 Golden yellow

[0412] 6 TABLE 6 221 Colour on Example Structure &lgr;max nm w1/2 nm cotton 105 Dye-SC2H4OH 437 151 Mid yellow 106 222 430 135 Mid yellow 107 Dye-NHC2H4OC2H4OH 436 141 Mid yellow 108 223 435 132 Mid yellow 109 224 439 143 Mid yellow 110 225 438 149 Mid yellow 111 226 437 131 Mid yellow 112 Dye-NHC2H4NH-Dye Mid yellow 113 Dye-NHC3H6NH-Dye Mid yellow

[0413] 7 TABLE 7 &lgr;max nm Ex- (w1/2 nm) am- Colour on ple Structure cotton 114 227 435 (172) mid yellow 115 228 422 (148) golden yellow 116 229 406 (124) golden yellow

[0414] 8 TABLE 6   Example 230   Other substituents  Colour on cotton 117 4-1,3-(SO3H)2 3′-SO2C2H4OSO3H Yellow 118 3-1,4-(SO3H)2 2′-SO2C2H4OSO3H Yellow 119 4-1,1′-(SO3H)2 231 Yellow 120 4-1,1′-(SO3H)2 232 Yellow 121 4′-1,1′,4-(SO3H)3 233 Yellow

[0415] 9 TABLE 9 234 Ex- Colour am- on ple A B X Y cotton 122 235 236 H H Green- ish yellow 123 237 238 H CN Green- ish yellow 124 239 240 H CONH2 Green- ish yellow 125 241 242 C2H4OH H Green- ish yellow 126 243 244 C2H4OH CONH2 Green- ish yellow 127 245 246 H H Green- ish yellow

[0416] 10 TABLE 10 247 Ex- Colour am- on ple A B X Y cotton 128 248 249 SO3H H Blueish red 129 250 251 SO3H H Blueish red 130 252 253 H SO3H Blueish red 131 254 255 SO3H H Blueish red 132 256 257 SO3H H Blueish red 133 258 259 H SO3H Blueish red 134 260 261 SO3H H Blueish red 135 262 263 SO3H H Blueish red 136 264 265 SO3H H Blueish red 137 266 267 H SO3H Blueish red 138 268 269 SO3H H Blueish red

[0417] 11 TABLE 11 270 Colour Exam- on ple A B X cotton 139 271 272 H Red 140 273 274 SO3H Red 141 275 276 H Red 142 277 278 SO3H Red 143 279 280 H Red 144 281 282 SO3H Red 145 283 284 SO3H Red 146 285 286 SO3H Red 147 287 288 H Red 148 289 290 H Red 149 291 292 SO3H Red

[0418] 12 TABLE 12 293 Ex- Colour am- on ple A B X Y cotton 150 294 295 H H Reddish yellow 151 296 297 H SO3H Reddish yellow 152 298 299 Me H Reddish yellow 153 300 301 H H Reddish yellow 154 302 303 H H Orange 155 304 305 H SO3H Orange 156 306 307 Me H Orange 157 308 309 H H Orange 158 310 311 H H Orange 159 312 313 H SO3H Orange 160 314 315 Me H Orange

[0419] 13 TABLE 13 316 Colour on Example A cotton 161 317 Greenish blue 162 318 Greenish blue 163 319 Greenish blue 164 320 Greenish blue

[0420] 14 TABLE 14 321 Colour on Example R R′ R″ x y z cotton 165 322 H H 2 0 2 Green 166 323 H H 1.5 0.5 2 Green 167 C2H4 H H 2 0 2 Bluish-green 168 C3H6 CH3 CH3 1.7 0.3 2 Bluish-green 169 324 H C2H4OSO3H 2.5 0.5 1 Green 170 325 H H 1.5 1.5 1 Green 171 326 H C2H4SO3H 2.5 0 1.5 Green 172 327 H H 3 0 1 Green

[0421] 15 328 Example A B X Y Colour on cotton 173 329 330 Cl Cl Blue 174 331 332 Cl Cl Blue 175 333 334 Cl Et Blue 176 335 336 Cl Cl Greenish blue 177 337 338 Cl Et Greenish blue 178 339 340 Cl Cl Greenish blue 179 H 341 Cl Cl Greenish blue 180 342 343 Cl Me Blue 181 344 345 Cl Cl Greenish blue

[0422] 16 TABLE 16 346 Colour on Example A X cotton 182 347 H Dull greenish blue 183 348 H Dull greenish blue 184 349 H Dull greenish blue 185 350 H Dull greenish blue 186 351 H Dull blue 187 352 H Dull greenish blue 188 353 3-SO3H Dull greenish blue 189 354 4-SO2C2H4OSO3H Dull greenish blue

Claims

1. A dye containing a

at least one chromophore D;

at least a first, halobenzene, reactive group Z1, of the formula (I)

355

 in which:

n is 1 or 2

X, or each X: independently, is an electron withdrawing group; and

Y is a halogen atom;

at least a second reactive group Z2 selected from

(1) a group of the formula (I), given and defined above, but selected independently thereof;

(2) a group of the formula (II)

356

 wherein m is 1 or 2; p is 0 or 1; when m is 1, p is 1; and when m is 2, p is 0;

Y1, or each Y1 independently, is a halogen atom or an optionally substituted pyridinium group; and

T is C1-4alkoxy, C1-4thioalkoxy or N(R1) (R2), in which each of R1 and R2 independently is hydrogen, optionally substituted C1-4alkyl or optionally substituted aryl;

(3) a group of the formula (III)

357

 wherein:

x is 1, 2 or 3; y is zero, 1 or 2; and

x+y≦3;

Y2, or each Y2 independently, is a halogen atom or an optionally substituted pyridinium group; and

U or each U independently, is C1-4alkyl or C1-4alkylsulphonyl;

(4) a group of the formula (IV)

—SO2CH2CH2X1  (IV)

 wherein X1 is an eliminatable group;

(5) a group of the formula (V)

—SO2 (CH2)ZCH═CH2  (V)

 wherein z is zero or 1; and

(6) a group of formula (VI)

—W—C(R10)═CH2  (VI)

 wherein:

R10 is hydrogen, C1-4alkyl or halogen; and

W is —OC(═O)— or —N(R11)C(═O)— in which R11 is hydrogen or C1-4 alkyl;

at least a first linking group L1, linking the said first, halobenzene, reactive group Z1 to one of components (i) the or a chromophore D and (ii) the second reactive group Z2, which said first linking group L1 presents an amino nitrogen to the reactive group Z1 and to the component (i) or (ii) or, when component (i) contains a heterocyclic nitrogen atom, is linked directly to the nitrogen atom and which said first linking group L1 optionally includes a hydrocarbon bridging group, which hydrocarbon bridging group B has at least two carbon atoms, is optionally substituted, optionally includes at least one hetero atom and is optionally a chromophore; and

when Z2 is selected from the said groups (I)-(III), at least a second linking group L2 linking the second reactive group Z2 to one of (i) the or a chromophore D and (ii) the said first reactive group Z1, which said linking group L2 is selected from

(1) a linking group L1, but selected independently thereof; or

(2) an amide linkage; and

(3) a sulphonamide linkage; and

optionally at least one aromatic group Ar which, when Z2 is selected from the said groups (IV)-(VI), may carry the said reactive group Z2.

2. A dye according to claim 1, wherein the linking group L1 has the formula (VII)1

N(R)  (VII)1

wherein R is hydrogen or optionally substituted C1-4alkyl, such that the same amino group presents itself to each of the reactive group Z1 and the component (i) or (ii), as defined in claim 1.

3. A dye according to claim 1, wherein the linking group L1 is a piperazinoalkylamino group of the formula (VII)2

358

wherein each R, independently, is as defined in claim 2, such that respective amino nitrogens, one of the piperazine group and the other of the alkylamino group, present themselves respectively, to the reactive group Z1 and to the component (i) or (ii), as defined in claim 1.

4. A dye according to claim 1, wherein the linking group L1 has the formula (VII)3

—N(R)BN(R)—  (VII)3

wherein B is a hydrocarbon bridging group as defined in claim 1, each R, independently, is as defined in claim 1 and B is optionally linked additionally to at least one additional group —N(R).

5. A dye according to claim 4, wherein the hydrocarbon bridging group B is an optionally substituted aryl group.

6. A dye according to any preceding claim, of the formula (VIII)

Z1-L1-D-(L2)a-Z2  (VIII)

wherein:

D is a chromophore;

each of L1 and L2 is an amine or piperazine linkage of the formula

—N(R)—  (VII)1; 359 —N(R)BN(R)—  (VII)3

 wherein:

R, or each R independently, is hydrogen or C1-4 alkyl;

B is a hydrocarbon bridging group which has at least two carbon atoms, is optionally substituted, optionally includes at least one hetero atom and is optionally a chromophore;

a is zero or 1; and

b is from 2 to 6 inclusive;

Z1 is a group

360

 in which:

n is 1 or 2;

X, or each X independently, is an electron withdrawing group; and

Y is a halogen atom; and

 when a is 1, Z2 is:

a group of the formula (I), given and defined above but selected independently thereof; or

a group of the formula (II)

361

 wherein:

m is 1 or 2; p is 0 or 1; when m is 1, p is 1; and when m is 2, p is 0;

Y1, or each Y1 independently, is a halogen atom or an optionally substituted pyridinium group; and

T is C1-4 alkoxy, thioalkoxy or N(R1) (R2) in which R1 is hydrogen, optionally substituted C1-4 alkyl or optionally substituted aryl and

R2 is hydrogen or optionally substituted C1-4 alkyl; or

a group of the formula (III)

362

 wherein:

x is 1, 2 or 3; y is zero, 1 or 2; and x+y≦3;

Y2, or each Y2 independently, is a halogen atom; and

U, or each U independently, is C1-4 alkyl or C1-4 alkylsulphonyl; and

 when a is zero, Z2 is:

—SO2CH2CH2X1  (IV)

 in which X1 is an eliminatable group; or

—SO2 (CH2)ZCH═CH2  (V)

 wherein z is zero or 1; or

a group of formula (VI)

—W—C(R10)═CH2  (VI)

 wherein:

R10 is hydrogen, C1-4alkyl or halogen; and

W is —OC(═O)— or —N(R11)C(═O)— in which R is hydrogen or C1-4 alkyl.

7. A dye according to any preceding claim, wherein, in formula (I), X, or each X independently, is selected from nitro, cyano, alkylsulphonyl, dialkylaminosulphonyl and sulphonic acid or a salt thereof.

8. A dye according to any preceding claim, wherein a group of the formula (II) is present, in which Y1, or each Y independently, is fluorine, chlorine or optionally substituted pyridinium.

9. A dye according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein R, or each R independently, is hydrogen.

10. A dye according to any preceding claim, wherein each of Z1 and Z2, independently, is a group:

363

wherein each of X, n and Y is as defined in claim 1.

11. A dye according to claim 10, wherein each of Z1 and Z2 is the same as the other.

12. A dye according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a is 1 and Z2 is

364

wherein Y1,m, T and p are as defined in claim 1.

13. A dye according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a is 1 and Z2 is

365

where Y2, x, U and y are as defined in claim 1.

14. A dye according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a is zero and Z2 is

—SO2CH2CH2X1  (IV)

where X1 is as defined in claim 1; or

—SO2 (CH2)ZCH═CH2 (V)

wherein z is as defined in claim 1.

15. A dye according to any preceding claim, wherein D is an azo chromophore.

16. A dye according to claim 15, wherein D is a monoazo chromophore.

17. A dye according to claim 16, which has the formula (XVII)

366

wherein:

each R independently and a is as defined in claim 1;

one of Z3 and Z4 is a group Z1 and the other is is a group Z2;

the group Z4 is selected from the groups of the formulae (I)-(III), given and defined in claim 1;

Ar is a benzene or naphthalene nucleus;

R3, or each R3 independently, is C1-4 alkyl, nitro, halo or sulphonic acid or salt thereof;

c is zero or 1-4;

R4, or each R4 independently, is a sulphonic acid or a salt thereof; and

d is 1 or 2.

18. A dye according to claim 15, wherein D is a disazo chromophore.

19. A dye according to claim 18, which has the formula (XVIII)

367

wherein:

one of Z5 and Z6 is a group X and the other is a group Z2;

each of f and g independently is zero or 1;

when Z5 or Z6 is any of the groups of the formulae (I)-(III), given and defined claim 1, f or g respectively is 1 and when Z5 or Z6 is any of the groups of the formulae (IV)-(VI), given and defined in claim 1, f or g respectively is zero;

each of c and e, independently, is zero or 1-4;

d is 1 or 2;

each R independently is as defined in claim 1;

each of Ar1 and Ar2 is an optionally substituted aryl group; and

each of R3 and R4 is as defined in claim 17.

20. A dye according to claim 19, wherein each of Z5 and Z6 is the same group

368

wherein X, Y and n are as defined in claim 1.

21. A dye according to claim 19, wherein one of Z5 and Z6 is a group of the formula (I), given and defined in claim 1, and the other of Z5 and Z6 is selected from groups of the formulae (II) and (III), given and defined in claim 1.

22. A dye according to claim 18, which dye has the formula

369

wherein:

B is a hydrocarbon bridging group as defined in claim 1;

one of G1 and G2 is OH and the other is NH2;

each of X, Y, Y1 and n is as defined in claim 1;

each of Ar1, Ar2, R3, R4, c and d is as defined in claim 19; and

each of R5 and e is as defined in claim 19.

23. A dye according to claim 22, wherein B is an optionally substituted aryl group.

24. A dye according to claim 19, wherein one of Z5 and Z6 is a group

370

wherein:

X, Y and n are as defined in claim 1 and the other of Z5 and Z6 is the group —SO2CH2CH2OSO3H or —SO2CH═CH2.

25. A dye according to claim 24, which has the formula

371

wherein G3 is C2H4OSO3H or a salt thereof or —CH═CH2;

G1 and G2 are as defined in claim 22;

R4 and d are as defined in claim 17; and

each of h and i, independently, is zero, 1 or 2.

26. A dye according to claim 25, which has the formula

372

where each of G1 and G2 is as defined in claim 22 and G3 is as defined in claim 25.

27. A dye according to claim 1, of the formula

Z1-L1-D[L3]q-[Z3-L4r[J1]s[L2]aZ2[L5-J2]t

wherein:

Z3 is a third reactive group selected from the groups of the formulae (I)-(III), given and defined in claim 1;

each of J1 and J2, independently, is an optionally substituted aryl group or a chromophore;

L3 is a linking group linking Z3 and D;

L4 is a linking group linking Z3 and J1;

L5 is a linking group linking Z2 and J2;

each of q, r, s and t independently, is zero or 1;

each of Z1, Z2, L1, L2 and a is as defined in claim 1; and

when at least one of a and t is 1, Z2 is selected from the groups of the formulae (I)-(III), given and defined in claim 1.

28. A dye according to claim 27, wherein q is 1, r is 1, s is 1, each of a and t is zero and Z2 is selected from the groups of the formulae (Iv)-(VI), given and defined in claim 1.

29. A dye according to claim 27, wherein q is 1, r is 1, s is zero, a is zero and t is 1.

30. A dye according to any one of claims 27 to 29 wherein each of L3 and L4, independently, is selected from one of the groups of the formulae (VII)1, (VII)2 and (VII)3, given and defined in claim 6.

31. A dye according to claim 30, wherein each of L3 and L4 is a group of the formulae (VII)1, given and defined in claim 6.

32. A dye according to claim 27, wherein q is 1, r is zero, s is 1, a is zero and t is zero.

33. A dye according to claim 32, wherein L3 is a group of the formula (VII)3

—N(R)BN(R)—  (VII)3

wherein B is a triazine group substituted by a non-reactive group.

34. A dye according to any one of claims 27 to 33, wherein the chromophore D is an azo chromophore derived from 1-hydroxy-8-aminonaphthalene substituted by at least one sulphonic acid group.

35. A dye according to claim 1 of the formula

Z1-L1-D1[L3-Z3(L4-Z4)1L5-D2]k[L2]aZ2

wherein:

D1 is a first chromophore;

D2 is a second chromophore;

Z3, when present, is a third reactive group selected from the groups of the formulae (I)-(III), given and defined in claim 1;

Z4, when present, is a fourth reactive group selected from the groups of the formulae (I)-(III), given and defined in claim 1;

L3 is a linking group linking Z3 to D1;

L4 is a linking group linking Z3 to Z4;

L5 is a linking group linking D2 to one of Z3 and Z4;

each of k and l, independently, is zero or l; and

each of Z1, Z2, L1, L2 and a is as defined in claim 1.

36. A dye according to claim 35 wherein a is 1, Z2 is a group of the formula (I), given and defined in claim 1, k is zero and D1 is a tetrakisazo chromophore containing two residues of H-acid linked together by a group forming part of the chromophore.

37. A dye according to claim 35, wherein a is 1, each of Z1 and Z2 is a group of the formula (I), given and defined in claim 1, each of k and l is 1;

each of D1 and D2 is a disazo chromophore containing a respective residue of H-acid,

each of Z3 and Z4 is a group of the formula (II), given and defined in claim 1, and

L4 is a linking group of the formula (VII)2 or (VII)3, given and defined in claim 6.

38. A dye according to claim 35, wherein a is 1, Z2 is a group of the formula (I), given and defined in claim 1, k is 1 and l is 1.

39. A dye according to claim 35, wherein a is 1, Z2 is a group of the formula (I), given and defined in claim 1, k is 1 and l is zero.

40. A dye according to claim 1, of the formula

Z1-L1-Z3-L3D-Z2

wherein:

Z3 is a third reactive group selected from the groups (I)-(III), given and defined in claim 1; and

L3 is a third linking group selected from the groups (VII)1, (VII)2 and (VII)3, given and defined in claim 6;

Z2 is a second reactive group selected from the groups (IV)-(VI), given and defined in claim 1; and

each of Z1 and L1 is as defined in claim 1.

41. A dye according to claim 40, wherein L1 is a linking group of the formula (VII)2 or (VII)3, given and defined in claim 6.

42. A dye according to claim 40 or claim 41, wherein Z3 is a group of the formula (II), given and defined in claim 1.

43. A dye according to claim 1, of the formula

D-L2-Z2-L1-Z1

wherein:

Z2 is selected from groups of the formulae I-(III), given and defined in claim 1; and

each of D, Z1, L1 and L2 is as defined in claim 1.

44. A dye according to claim 43, wherein Z2 is a group of the formula (II), given and defined in claim 1.

45. A dye according to claim 43 or claim 44, wherein L2 is a linking group selected from the groups (VII)1, (VII)2 and (VII)3, given and defined in claim 6.

46. A dye according to claim 43, wherein L2 is a linking group of the formula (VII)2 or (VII)3, given and defined in claim 6.

47. A dye according to any one of claims 43 to 46, wherein L1 is a group of the formula (VII3), given and defined in claim 6, in which B is an optionally substituted aryl group.

48. A dye according to any one of claims 43 to 46, wherein L1 is a group of the formula (VII3), given and defined in claim 6, in which B is a chromophoric bridging group.

49. A dye according to any one of claims 40 to 48, wherein the chromophore D is a disazo dye containing a residue derived from H-acid and having azo groups at the 2- and 7-positions.

50. A dye according to any one of claims 43 to 48, wherein D is a group of the formula

373

51. A dye according to claim 1, of the formula

D2-L2-Z2-L3-D1-L1-Z1

wherein:

each of D1 and D2, independently, is a chromophore;

L3 is a linking group selected from groups of the formula (I)-(III), given and defined in claim 1; and

each of Z1, Z2, L1 and L2 is as defined in claim 1.

52. A dye according to claim 1, of the formula

374

wherein:

each of D1 and D2, independently, is a chromophore;

L3 is a linking group selected from the groups of the formulae (I)-(III), given and defined in claim 1; and

each of Z1, Z2, L1 and L2 is as defined in claim 1.

53. A dye according to claim 1, of the formula.

375

wherein:

one of Z3 and Z4 is a reactive group Z2;

each of Z3 and Z41 independently, is a reactive group selected from the formulae (IV)-(VI), given and defined in claim 1;

each of t and u, independently, is zero or 1 and at least one of t and u is 1;

D is a chromophore;

Ar is an optionally substituted aryl group;

L1 is a group of the formula

376

wherein each R, independently, is as defined in claim; and

Z1 is as defined in claim 1.

54. A dye according to claim 53, wherein D is a disazo dye containing a residue derived from H-acid.

55. A dye according to claim 1, wherein the or a chromophore D contains a heterocyclic nitrogen atom and the linking group has the formula

377

wherein each of B, R and b is as defined in claim 6 and the bond {circle over (1)} is linked to the heterocyclic nitrogen atom of the chromophore.

56. A dye according to claim 55, of the formula

Z1-L1-DN&Brketopenst;L2&Brketclosest;aZ2&Brketopenst;L5-Ar]t

wherein:

DN is a chromophore containing a heterocyclic group including a nitrogen atom;

L1 is a group of the formula (VII)4 or (VII)5, given and defined in claim 55, directly attached via the bond {circle over (1)}, to the nitrogen atom of the said chromophore DN;

Ar is an optionally substituted aryl group;

and each of Z1, Z2, L2, L5, a and t is as defined in claim 27.

57. A dye according to claim 56, wherein the chromophore D has the formula

378

58. A dye according to any one of claims 27 to 56, which is an azo dye having at least two azo groups therein.

59. A dye according to claim 15, wherein D is a trisazo or tetrakisazo chromophore.

60. A dye according to claim 1, wherein the chromophore D is an anthraquinone.

61. A dye according to claim 60, which is of the formula

DA-L3-Ar-L2-Z2-L1-Z1

wherein:

DA is an anthraquinone chromophore;

L3 is a linking of the formula (VII)1, given and defined in claim 6;

Ar is an optionally substituted aryl group; and

each of Z1, Z2, L1 and L2 is as defined in claim 1.

62. A dye according to claim 61, wherein each of L1 and L2, independently, is a linking group of the formula (VII)1, (VII)2 or (VII)3, given and defined in claim 6.

63. A dye according to claim 62, wherein each of L1 and L2, independently is a group of the formula (VII)3, given and defined in claim 6, in which B is an optionally substituted aryl group.

64. A dye according to claim 1, wherein the chromophore D is a metal phthalocyanine.

65. A dye according to claim 64, of the formula

379

wherein:

Cu Pc is a copper phthalocyanine chromophore;

X+Y+Z≦4;

each of R21 and R22 independently, is hydrogen or optionally substituted C1-4alkyl;

B is a hydrocarbon bridging group; and

Z1 is as defined in claim 1.

66. A dye according to claim 1, wherein the chromophore D is a triphendioxazine chromophore.

67. A dye according to claim 66, which is of the formula

Z1-L1-Z3-L3]q-DT-[Z4]r-L2-Z2

wherein:

DT is a triphendioxazine chromophore;

each of L2, L3 and L4, independently, is a linking group of the formula (VII)1, (VII)2 or (VII)3, given and defined in claim 6;

each of Z2, Z3 and Z4 is a reactive group selected from groups of the formulae (I)-(III), given and defined in claim 1;

each of q and r is zero or 1; and

each of Z1 and L1 is as defined in claim 1.

68. A dye according to claim 67, wherein Z2 is a group of the formula (I), given and defined in claim 1 and each of Z3 and Z4 is a group of the formula (II), given and defined in claim 1.

69. A dye according to claim 67 or claim 68, wherein each of L1, L2, L3 and L4 is a group of the formula (VII)3, given and defined in claim 6.

70. A dye according to claim 1, wherein the chromophore D is a formazan chromophore.

71. A dye according to claim 70, of the formula

[ZA]a-DF-L-ZB-L1-Z1

wherein:

DF is a formazan chromophore;

one of ZA and ZB is a group Z2, given and defined in claim 1;

L is a linking group of the formula (VII)1, (VII)2 or (VII)3, given and defined in claim 6;

each of Z1 and L1 is as defined in claim 1;

a is zero or 1;

ZA is selected from groups of the formulae (IV)-(VI), given and defined in claim 1; and

ZB is selected from groups of the formulae (I)-(III), given and defined in claim 1.

380 381

78. A process for preparing a dye of the formula (VIII)1

Z1-L1-D-L2-Z2  (VIII)1

wherein:

D is a chromophore;

each of L1 and L2 independently, is N(R);

each R, independently, is hydrogen or C1-4alkyl;

each of Z1 and Z2 is a group

382

 in which:

n is 1 or 2

X, or each X independently, is an electron withdrawing group; and

Y is a halogen atom, which process comprises reacting a chromophoric compound of the formula (XX)

H(R)N-D-N(R)H  (XX)

 wherein each of D and R is as defined above, with at least two moles, per mole of the chromophoric compound of the formula (XX), of a dihalobenzene component comprising at least one dihalobenzene compound of the formula (XXI)

383

 wherein each of X, Y and n is as defined above, to obtain the dye of the formula (VIII)1.

79. A process for preparing a dye of the formula (VIII)1

Z1-L1-D-L2-Z2  (VIII)2

wherein:

D is a chromophore;

each of L1 and L2 independently, is N(R),

each R, independently, is hydrogen or C1-4alkyl;

Z1 is a group

384

 in which:

n is 1 or 2

X, or each X independently, is an electron withdrawing group; and

Y is a halogen atom; and

Z2 is selected from the groups (II) and (III) given and defined in claim 1;

 which process comprises reacting a chromophoric compound of the formula (XX)

H(R)N-D-N(R)H  (XX)

 wherein each of D and R is as defined above, with one mole, per mole of the chromophoric compound of the formula (XX), of each of

(a) a dihalobenzene compound of the formula (XXI)

385

 wherein each of Z, X, Y and n is as defined above; and

(b) a compound selected from

386

 wherein:

m is 1 or 2; p is 0 or 1; when m is 1, p is 1; and when m is 2, p is 0;

Y1, or each Y1 independently, is a halogen atom or an optionally substituted pyridinium group; and

T is C1-4alkoxy, C14thioalkoxy or N(R1) (R2) in which each of R1 and R2 independently is hydrogen, optionally substituted C1-4alkyl or optionally substituted aryl;

x is 1, 2 or 3; y is zero, 1 or 2; and x+y≦3;

Y2, or each Y2 independently, is a halogen atom or an optionally substituted pyridinium group;

U or each U independently, is C1,-alkyl or C1-4alkylsulphonyl; and

Y is as defined above; the said reactions of the compound of the formula (XX) with each of the respective compounds of the formulae (XII) and (XIII) being carried out simultaneously or one before the other, in either order, to obtain a dye of the formula (VIII)2.

80. A process for preparing a dye of the formula (VIII)3

Z1-L1-D-Z2  (VIII)3

wherein:

D is a chromophore

L1 is N(R), in which R is hydrogen or C1-4alkyl;

Z1 is a group

387

 in which n is 1 or 2; X, or each X independently, is an electron withdrawing group; and Y is a hydrogen atom; and Z2 is a group of the formula (IV) —SO2CH2CH2X1 (IV)

—SO2CH2CH2X1  (IV)

 wherein X1 is an eliminatable group;

a group of the formula (V)

—SO2(CH2)ZCH═CH2  (V)

 wherein z is zero or 1; and

a group of formula (VI)

—W—C(R10)═CH2  (VI)

 wherein:

R10 is hydrogen, C1-4alkyl or halogen; and

W is —OC(═O)— or —N(R11)C(═O)—

in which R11 is hydrogen or C1-4alkyl;

which process comprises reacting a chromophoric compound of the formula (XXIV)

H(R)N-D-Z2  (XXIV)

wherein D and Z2 are as defined above, with a dihalobenzene compound of the formula (XXI)

388

wherein each of X, Y and n is as defined above, to obtain the dye of the formula (VIII)3.

81. A process for the colouration of a substrate, which process comprises applying to the substrate a dye according to any one of claims 1 to 77.

82. A process according to claim 81, wherein the dye is applied to the substrate by exhaust dyeing, padding or printing.

83. A process according to claim 82, wherein the dye is applied by ink jet printing.