Efficient double glycoconjugation to naturalize high molecular weight disperse dyes

Commercially available Disperse Orange 29 (1a) and Disperse Red 1 (2a) were elaborated to glycoconjugated species, following a new version of a previously-described 'naturalisation' procedure. Glutamic acid was chosen to achieve a double glycoconjugation, which is essential to give to the original disperse dye a water solubility suitable for reaching optimal dyeing conditions. UV-vis plot of the 'naturalised' species showed negligible differences when compared to those of the commercial dyes. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.