The present invention relates to the use of indigo derivatives for dyeing synthetic textiles to a process for dyeing synthetic textiles and to dyed textiles and articles containing them. The invention also relates to novel indigo derivatives per se and to a process for the preparation thereof.

A method for dyeing, such as vat dyeing, or coating synthetic fibers, such as polyester fibers and/or polyamide fibers, or yarns or fabrics including these fibers can include providing a powdered dye or a powdered precursor dye (powdered leuko dye), or providing an aqueous dye formulation or an aqueous precursor dye formulation (an alkaline aqueous leuko dye formulation). An aqueous system including a lipase enzyme can be provided. The fibers/yarn/fabric can be pretreated with the aqueous system, and the pretreated fibers/yarn/fabric can be coated or dyed with the powdered dye or powdered precursor dye, or with the aqueous dye formulation or aqueous precursor dye formulation.

The present invention relates to the use of indigo derivatives for dyeing synthetic textiles to a process for dyeing synthetic textiles and to dyed textiles and articles containing them. The invention also relates to novel indigo derivatives per se and to a process for the preparation thereof.