Description

Basic Brown 16 is a synthetic cationic dye belonging to the category of basic (or positively charged) dyes, commonly used for coloring textiles, paper, and biological stains. It typically appears as a dark brown powder that is soluble in water, forming a vivid brown solution. Its molecular structure includes aromatic rings and amino groups that allow it to bind effectively to negatively charged surfaces, such as wool, silk, and certain cell structures in histology. The dye exhibits strong staining properties and good lightfastness, making it useful in both industrial applications and laboratory techniques, such as microscopy for staining tissues. While generally stable, Basic Brown 16 can be sensitive to high temperatures and extreme pH levels, which may affect its color intensity. Additionally, due to its chemical composition, handling the dye requires standard safety precautions to avoid skin or eye irritation, and its environmental disposal must be managed carefully to prevent contamination.

Chemical Structure of Basic Brown 16

Appearance of Basic Brown 16

Uses

1. Textile Industry

Packing

Export Worthy packing 5 Kg Drum, 25 Kg Drum, 50 Kg Drum.

Storage Conditions

Store in cool and dry place at room temperature, protect from direct sunlight.

Molecular Formula

CAS No.

CI No.

IUPAC Name

Synonyms

Molecular Weight

Appearance

Solubility

Dye Content (Spectrophotometry)

C20​H22​ClN3​

26381‑41‑9

42595

[4-(Phenylamino)phenyl][4-(methylamino)phenyl]methylium chloride

1,1’-Dimethyl-4,4’-bis(phenylamino)phenylmethylium chloride

339.86 g/mol

Dark brown to reddish-brown water-soluble crystalline powder.

Soluble in water

98%

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Dyeing of Wool and Silk:

Basic Brown 16 is excellent for dyeing protein fibers like wool and silk because these fibers have negatively charged groups (like carboxyl groups) that attract the positively charged dye molecules.

• Produces brown to reddish-brown shades depending on concentration.

• Often used for uniform coloring in garments, fabrics, and decorative textiles.

Dyeing of Synthetic Fibers:

Some synthetic fibers like acrylics can also take up basic dyes. The dye penetrates the fiber and creates bright, even colors.

Printing on Textiles:

Used in textile printing pastes to create patterns and designs with brown shades.

2. Leather Industry

Leather Coloring:

Basic Brown 16 is used to stain leather in a consistent brown shade. It binds to the collagen in leather, giving it uniform color.

• Commonly used in shoe leather, belts, and bags.

• Can be combined with other dyes for shade adjustment.

3. Biological Staining

Microscopy and Histology:

Basic Brown 16 is sometimes used as a biological stain. Its positive charge allows it to bind to negatively charged cellular components.

• Can highlight cell nuclei or cytoplasm depending on formulation.

• Often part of dye mixtures for special staining protocols.

4. Paper Industry

Paper Coloring:

Can be used to color paper and cardboard in brown tones.

• Provides bright, even color.

• Often used in wrapping papers or artistic papers.

5. Ink and Paint Industry

Ink Production:

Basic Brown 16 is used in some printing inks because it gives a stable, bright brown color.

• Can be water-based or alcohol-based inks.

Paints and Dyes for Art:

Sometimes incorporated in paints or craft dyes for artistic applications.

6. Chemical Properties That Enable Its Use

• Water Soluble: Makes it easy to apply in aqueous solutions.

• Cationic Nature: Allows strong binding to anionic substrates.

• Shade Range: Can produce different browns depending on concentration and pH.

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