The synthesis and properties of red and blue benzodifuranones

Benzodifuranones were developed by ICI researchers twenty years ago. Red benzodifuranones are one of the most successful new classes of commercial dyes due to their bright colours and excellent wash and sublimation fastness properties. In this study, red and blue benzodifuranones have been synthesised and their physical properties measured. Red benzodifuranones were synthesised from the half-condensed intermediates and alkoxymandelic acid derivatives. Blue benzodifuranones were synthesised from the halfcondensed intermediates and phenyltartronic acid derivatives.