In the search for more environmental friendly dyes, the synthesis of new 1:
2 iron complexes of 1,5-diaryl-3-cyanoformazanes was carried out. The struc
ture and colouristic properties of 16 new dyes and their intermediates was
characterised by H-1 NMR, FAB and UV-VIS spectroscopy. The products were us
ed as acid dyes in the coloration of wool and polyamide fibres. Application
, colouristic and fastness properties of the dyes were determined and discu
ssed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.