Chemical Forums

Chemistry Forums for Students => High School Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: omkar0652 on January 26, 2025, 06:00:23 PM

Title: what is color fading in clothes
Post by: omkar0652 on January 26, 2025, 06:00:23 PM

I don't know if it's the right sub-forum but I think it's close.
I'd like to know what is the actual chemical reaction of color fading of clothes under sunlight from initial reactants and the final products. I'd also like to know
where the final products usually go? Do they stay in clothes or leave into the air and if they are bad if inhaled

Title: Re: what is color fading in clothes
Post by: DrCMS on January 27, 2025, 04:58:24 AM

This is a very simple question that has a very complex answer.  There is not a single answer but rather it depends on the dye/dyes used.  Some dyes react with light/oxygen to make a colourless material by breaking the conjugation.  Some dyes react and do not alter the chromophore but instead alter the side chains that "stick" the dye to the fabric.  Some colours use a single dye whilst others use mixture.  Not all the dyes in the mixture have to behave the same why which is why somethings change shade rather than just fading.