| abstract |
A biodegradable azo dye contains a nitrogen atom linked to an aromatic ring having a lignin-like substitution pattern. The ring is preferably a syringyl or guaiacol moiety, and provides a naturally-occurring structure for attack by microorganisms, such as Streptomyces or Phanerochaete. In especially preferred embodiments, the aromatic ring has a first substituent R1 selected from among hydroxy, lower alkoxy, or amino, and a second substituent R2 selected from among lower alkyl, lower alkoxy and halogen. Some embodiments include a third ring substituent R3 selected from the group lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, and halogen. |