ABSTRACT
Abstract: Colouring materials used in dyeing of textiles possess several features; the dyer must have basic knowledge of those for effective handling to produce hues and shades, their mode of attachment with fibres and related fastness properties. All colouring materials are not suitable for all fibres rather depend on chemistry of the latter. This chapter deals with definition of various colourants, their classification, general chemical structure, suitability for different textiles, ionic nature, solubility in water, nomenclature, colour index specification, interpretation of commercial name etc.
