Basic Brown 17

Description

Basic Brown 17 is a synthetic cationic (basic) azo dye commonly used for coloring leather, paper, and certain synthetic fibers due to its strong affinity for materials with anionic sites, producing warm brown to yellow-brown shades with good leveling properties. Chemically, it contains one or more azo (–N=N–) linkages that contribute to its high tinctorial strength and characteristic hue, and it is typically supplied as a powder or granules with good solubility in water under acidic to neutral conditions. In industrial applications, it is valued for its relatively high lightfastness and robust dyeing performance on substrates such as acrylics and tannin-treated leather, though like many azo dyes it may require proper handling to avoid dust inhalation and to comply with environmental and safety guidelines.

Chemical Structure of Basic Brown 17
Appearance of Basic Brown 17

Uses

1. Leather Dyeing and Finishing

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)

C₁₉H₂₀ClN₅O₃

68391-32-2

12251

[8-[(4-Amino-3-nitrophenyl)azo]-7-hydroxy-2-naphthyl]trimethylammonium chloride

2-Naphthalenaminium, 8-(4-amino-3-nitrophenyl)azo-7-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, chloride

401.85 g/mol

Brown powder

soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol.

98%

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Basic Brown 17 is extensively used in the leather industry for coloring both natural and synthetic leathers. Its cationic nature allows it to bond well with the negatively charged sites on chrome-tanned hides. It produces warm brown, yellow-brown, or walnut-brown tones, often used for footwear, belts, jackets, upholstery, and small leather goods. It offers good penetration and leveling, making it a preferred choice for top-dyeing, drum dyeing, and surface finishing. It is also used to correct shade variations and to enrich undertones in multi-step leather finishing formulations.

2. Dyeing of Acrylic Fibers

3. Paper Coloring and Paper Coatings

4. Ink and Inkjet Formulations

5. Wood Stains and Surface Coatings

6. Industrial Coloring and Chemical Formulations

Because acrylics contain anionic groups, Basic Brown 17 has strong substantivity, making it suitable for dyeing acrylic textiles, acrylic blends, and modacrylic fibers. It is used for carpets, blankets, upholstery fabrics, and winter clothing. The dye provides excellent brightness and high tinctorial strength, allowing deep shades with relatively small quantities.

Basic Brown 17 is used in the paper industry for tinting paper pulp, surface coloration, and coating formulations. It offers good solubility and dispersibility in aqueous systems, enabling even coloration in kraft paper, packaging materials, paper bags, and decorative papers. It is often used to create natural brown, earthy, or wood-tone effects in recycled and specialty papers.

It is incorporated into water-based and solvent-based inks due to its stability, strong color, and compatibility with various binders. Applications include flexographic, gravure, and marking inks, as well as some low-cost inkjet formulations. It provides warm brown hues useful for printing on labels, cardboard, and commercial packaging.

In wood treatment, Basic Brown 17 helps create brown, tan, and antique effects. It dissolves well in water and some solvents, allowing use in wood stains, varnishes, and surface treatment products. The dye penetrates wood fibers to enhance natural grain patterns and is used in furniture, interior décor, and handicraft industries.

It is used as a component in chemical products that require coloring, including:

  • Detergents and cleaning agents (for brand identity or functional coloration)

  • Polishes and waxes

  • Agricultural formulations (e.g., for marking or identification)

  • Indicator blends and laboratory staining solutions

7. Craft, Hobby, and Small-Scale Dyeing

In small-scale applications, Basic Brown 17 is used for dyeing fabrics, fibers, ropes, and craft materials, especially where a warm brown shade is desired. It can also appear in handmade paper, art projects, and decorative surface treatments.

8. Shade Adjustment in Dye Mixtures

Manufacturers use Basic Brown 17 to modify or “tone” other dyes, particularly in mixtures for leather, textiles, or printing inks. Its ability to soften intense reds or darken yellow dyes makes it valuable in custom shade formulation.