Auxochrome

Description

Any portion of a molecule, i.e. radical or ionic functional group, that improves the color of the chromophore in an organic colorant. Auxochromes can also provide an ionic site that enables the dye to bind to a fiber. Examples of auxochrome groups are -COOH, -SO3H, -OH, and -NH3.

Authority

• B. Berrie, S.Q. Lomax, 'Azo Pigments: Their History, Synthesis, Properties and Use in Artists' Materials', Studies in the History of Art , National Gallery of Art, Washington DC, No. 57, 1997

• Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993

• Random House, Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, Grammercy Book, New York, 1997