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Cationic Red 46

Powder properties

Basic red 46 (Cationic Red 46) is dark red powder (or liquid) and soluble in water. The solubility in water is 80g/L at 30 ° C. The dyed acrylic fiber is bright blue red and yellow under tungsten light. It is dyed at 120 ° C and the color is stable. When the copper ion color changes slightly, the color of the iron ion is unchanged, and the color of the chromium ion is slightly changed. The blocking group of the dispersed cationic red SD-GRL and the cationic red SD-GRL is a 1-naphthalenesulfonic acid group.

Powder 30 ℃ in the water when the solubility of 80 g/L. Acrylic dyeing for colourful blu-ray red, on ayellow under tengsten lamp. In 120 ℃ dyeing color stability. Copper ions in dyeing color shade micro have change, in the same colour and lustre of iron ion in chrome ion colour and lustre slightly change. Compatibility value 2.5, f value is 0.43.

Designed For

  • Continuous dyeing lines (use liquid for precise dosing)
  • Batch/overflow dye houses (powder for cost-efficiency)
  • Ink formulators seeking strong red pigments with predictable responses

Quick takeaway: Choose Basic Red 46 liquid when dosing precision, low dust and fast dispersion are priorities; choose powder for bulk storage and on-site concentration control.

Liquid Performance

  • High coloring efficiency: The weak acid bath (pH 4–5) has extremely strong affinity for acrylic fibers, excellent leveling properties, and bright color; the compatibility value K is 3.5, suitable for color matching with other cationic dyes.
  • Color fastness performance: The light fastness of acrylic fibers can reach grades 4–5, and the washing / sweat / dry friction fastness is 3–4 grades; the washing fastness of wool / silk is 2–3 grades, suitable for scenarios with moderate sun resistance requirements.‍

Side-by-Side: Liquid vs Powder

ConsiderationLiquidPowder
Dispersion speedFastRequires agitation
HandlingLow dust, saferRequires PPE for dust
StorageShorter term, avoid freezeLonger shelf life
CostHigher per kgLower per kg

Applications: 

  • ‍Fiber Dyeing: Mainly used for dyeing acrylic fibers (spun fibers, fiber strips, woolen yarn); also used for dyeing modified polyester, viscose blended fabrics, and wool/silk, often used in tandem with cationic yellow/blue for medium to dark colors, suitable for knitting, carpets and direct printing.
  • Education and Office: Coloring of ballpoint pen ink, marker pens, carbon paper, and ordinary paper; bright colors and smooth writing; also used for red ink and color dyes.
  • Material Coloring: Coloring of natural materials such as leather, bamboo/wood, feathers, etc., with good penetration and long-lasting colors; some are used for red coloring of water-based inks and coatings, enhancing product recognition.‍

Technical Specifications

  • ‍Product Name: Basic Red 46
  • C.I. No.: 110825
  • CAS No.: 12221-69-1
  • Molecular Formula: C18H21BrN6
  • Molecular Weight: 401.3‍

  • Shade: dark blue light red. Dark red powder. 

Powder light fastness

Light Fastness

7

Perspiration Fastness(fading)

5

Perspiration Fastness(stain)

5

Soaping(fading)

5

Soaping(stain)

5

Liquid light fastness

Color

Red

Appearance

Liquid

Content

40%

Odor

Tasteless

Melting   point

none

Flash point

> 75 ℃

Boiling   point

> 100 ℃

Water   soluble

soluble

PH value

3.0-5.0

Density (g /   cm3)

1.05-1.15

Package

powder:25KG/DRUM, CARTON BOX, BAG;

liquid:25KG DRUM, 1000KG IBC DRUM.

Which materials and industries commonly use Basic Red 46?

Basic Red 46 is most commonly used in water-based inks and coatings, acrylic fiber dyeing, specialty paper and paper coatings, leather finishing, and some plastic masterbatches where cationic dyes are appropriate. Its best performance is typically seen on acrylics and on coated substrates that accept cationic dye systems.

How should I prepare Basic Red 46 for printing or dyeing?

For printing/ink use dissolve the required quantity in warm water with agitation and add the dispersant or binder used in your formulation. For fiber dyeing, pre-dissolve and filter to remove insolubles, then add to the dye bath under controlled agitation. Always run a small pilot sample to confirm shade and performance before scale-up.

What form does the product come in and how much should I use?

Basic Red 46 is commonly supplied as a granular/powder form or as a concentrated liquid colorant. Recommended usage depends on the application (inks, fiber, paper, plastics) and formulation — start with lab trials and titrate to the target shade. If you provide your substrate and target L*a*b* or a sample, we can suggest starting dosages.

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