Abstract

Reactive dyes have proven to be one of the most successful classes of modern synthetic dyes. The reasons for this success lie in their shade versatility, their flexibility in application, and the all-round good fastness properties obtained from dyeings produced with reactive dyes on wool, silk, cotton, and regenerated cellulosic fibers. The chemistry of the different reactive groups used, the chemistry of reactive dye manufacture, and the chemical principles behind their application to cellulosic fibers and polyamide fibers is reviewed.