Application of Basic Dyes

The characteristics and physical properties of basic dyes soon become known to the use, but the name itself may not mean much to him. To the chemist, however, the word basic is suggestive, because it indicates something of chemical structure and informs him as to the dye\'s reactions, with such reagents as acids and alkalies particularly.

Basic colors are substances that have strong affinities for various acids and with them form salts that are more or less stable. Liberation from the salts can be secured by the use of the volatile alkali, ammonia, or by reactions with fixed alkalines, such as soda and potash, which have strong basic action.

In chemistry, the word base refers to substances that are capable of uniting with acids, thus producing salts, which are neutralized of acid properties. The most important basic dyes are derived from triphenylmethane; nevertheless, some valuable basic dyes come from various other chemical classes, such as the azos, xanthenes, azines, acridines, thiazines, and thiazoles. Less valuable basic dyes, from the dyer\'s point of view, are made from the oxazine and quinoline groups.

A large number of the early aniline and other coal-tar dyes belonged to the basic group of dyestuffs. In many cases, these basic dyes are very remarkable for brilliancy of color, compared with vegetable colors; but, quite often, they are more or less fugitive to light. Basic dyes sold on the market are usually in forms which are chemically known as chlorides, being salts of dye bases with hydrochloric acid, but other salts such as sulphates, oxalates, acetates, and nitrates, are occasionally found.

In chemistry, the word base refers to substances that are capable of uniting with acids, thus producing salts, which are neutralized of acid properties. The most important basic dyes are derived from triphenylmethane...