Preparation of sulfo-containing copper phthalocyanine dyes

Abstract

A process for preparing sulfo-containing copper phthalocyanine dyes having an absorption maximum .lambda..sub.max..gtoreq.605 nm comprises heating copper phthalocyanine with at least 15% strength oleum at about 50.degree.-110.degree. C. until the reaction product has a .lambda..sub.max..gtoreq.605 nm, then diluting the resulting sulfonation product with water, adding a tertiary, lipophilic amine and stirring at elevated temperature until the lipophilic phase comprising the ammonium salt separates from the aqueous sulfuric acid phase, subsequently admixing the lipophilic phase, optionally after washing with water, with a water-soluble base whose sulfonate salt is to be prepared and water, separating the resulting phases and leaving the salt in the aqueous solution or isolating it therefrom. The products are especially useful for dyeing cellulosic fibers or polyamides.

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