Anthraquinone based anti-UV acid-azo dyes; a study of their synthesis, fastness, and UV-protection properties.

• Functional acid-azo dyes with embedded anti-UV properties were synthesized. • In contrast to previous studies, the present dyes were synthesized without incorporating commercial UV-absorber into the structure of the dyes. • The dye solutions were irradiated with UV radiation for 24 h to check the stability of the dyes in UV light. • UV Protection Factor (UPF) of the dyes was also assessed. The theme of the present research was to synthesize some new dye molecules with embedded UV-protection properties. Structure elucidation of these dye molecules was carried out using FTIR, UV–visible spectrophotometry, 1H-NMR spectroscopy, and Mass spectrometry which confirmed the chemistry of target molecules. The resultant dye molecules were applied on silk and wool fibers and their fastness properties were studied through ISO recommended methods. The dyes exhibited satisfactory exhaustion and fixation efficiency, and displayed good resistance to fading. The absorption properties of the dye solutions were evaluated to analyze the UV-resistant ability of the dye molecules. The stability of the dyes under UV light was also examined. The Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of the dyed samples was measured to check the UV blocking ability of the dyes after application and the protection properties of the dyes were compared with a commercial acid dye (Nylosan Red S-GS). [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]