Metal-complexed dyes

摘要

It is clear that studies pertaining to metal-complexed dyes remain at the forefront of colour chemistry. Equally clear is the shift in emphasis from their design and development as textile dyes to their use in nbn-textile applications. Based on the subjects of research studies reported in the 'Colorants and dyes' section of Chemical Abstracts published in early 2004 [224], it is clear that the use of colorants in areas such as ink-jet printing, polarising films suitable for auto navigating displays and liquid-crystal projectors dominates the patent literature, with no new patents pertaining to metallised dyes for textiles. This observation does not diminish the importance of such dyes for textiles but rather it further illustrates an industry-wide shift to areas with higher financial benefits. Regardless of the intended use of these dyes, the need to demonstrate environmental safety will not go away, thus serving as a potential barrier to the commercial success/future of dyes based on metals regarded by regulatory agencies as priority pollutants. On the academic side, the utility of spectroscopic and molecular modelling methods in characterising metallised dyes has proved invaluable. These tools will enhance the pace of future research by aiding molecular design and reducing the number of compounds requiring synthesis before commercially viable products are obtained