Oxidising agents and vat-dyed cotton

Abstract

In the course of an investigation into the action of oxidising agents upon cotton dyed with vat dyestuffe, we have obtained evidence of a simple relationship between the stable potential set up when a platinum electrode is dipped into a dilute solution of sodium hypochlorite, and the amount of chemical modification produced when this solution acts, under standard conditions, upon pure cotton cellulose dyed with the reduced or leuco form of certain vat dyestuffs. These results may prove of interest to those engaged in a study of the chemistry of cellulose and similar polymolecular compounds and also to those who are working on phenomena of oxygen transfer facilitated by a chemically labile substance.