Disperse dye is a category of synthetic dye intended for polyester and related hydrophobic fibers. Disperse dyes are polar molecules containing anthraquinone or azo groups. It is estimated that 85% of disperse dyes are azos or anthraquinone dyes.^[1][2]

The history of disperse dye production is closely related to the synthesis of cellulose acetate fibres. Disperse dyes were invented in 1923-24.^[3]

Disperse dyes are non-ionic in nature and partially soluble in water. The interaction of dye molecule and polymer takes place with Van der Waals and dipole forces.^[4] Disperse dyes have better diffusion at boiling to a higher temperature.^[5]

• Disperse Blue dyes, especially 106 and 124, are common causes of contact allergy.^[6]
• Disperse Orange 1 is an azo dye.
• Disperse Red 9 is a red dye derived from anthraquinone.
• Disperse Red 11, also called C.I. 62015 and 1,4-diamino-2-methoxy anthraquinone, is another anthraquinone dye.
• Disperse Red 60 is also an anthraquinone dye.
• Disperse Yellow 26 is a yellow disperse dye.
• Disperse Yellow 42 is prepared by the reaction of two equivalents of aniline with 4-chloro-3-nitrobenzenesulfonyl chloride.