Synthesis and application of some novel fluorescent heterocyclic disperse dyestuffs based on phenothiazine on polyester

A series of novel heterocyclic disperse dyestuffs derived from phenothiazine were prepared by standard reactions from phenothiazine as the starting material. Phenothiazine was nitrated and oxidized then reduced to obtain synthesized disperse dyestuffs. The reaction conditions were varied in order to obtain optimal yields for each stage of the preparation to obtain the corresponding derivative and final disperse dyestuffs. All intermediates and disperse dyestuffs were purified and characterized by DSC, FTIR, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, elemental analysis and UV–Visible spectroscopic techniques. The molar extinction coefficients ( ε ), wavelengths of maximum absorption ( λ max ) and solvatochromism effects were studied in solvents as toluene, acetone and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). Results represented that the dyestuffs had extinction coefficients of 2011–28189 L mol −1 cm −1 , wavelengths of maximum absorption of 448–475 nm in acetone and positive solvatochromism by changing solvent from toluene to DMF. The disperse dyestuffs were applied to locally manufactured polyester fibers and their dyeing properties were investigated. Results showed that the buildup of dyestuffs was acceptable and dyed fibers had very good heat and wash fastness and medium light fastness on polyester fibers.