Wool fibre and fabric have been treated with liquid ammonia and their surface characteristics investigated by means of SEM and ESCA techniques. The treated specimens were dyed with levelling and milling acid dyes. Although no changes in nitrogen content and fibre surface properties were detected, their dyeing rate was increased considerably as was saturation dye exhaustion. Dyeing properties were similar to those of wool treated with low-temperature plasmas by glow discharge. Fabrics treated with liquid ammonia were dyed at various temperatures in the range 30 – 80 °C, and dye uptake was similarly increased

The synthesis of 4,5-, 4,6-, 4,7- and 5,7-dichloro-2-aminobenzothiazoles is reported. Diazotisation of these and coupling to N-substituted anilines affords orange-red to blue dyes which have excellent coloration and good light fastness properties on polyester. The colour of the dyes is discussed with respect to the orientation of the chloro substituent and compared also with dichloro-4-aminobenzene analogues and to establish colorants based on 5,6(6,7)-dichloro-2-aminobenzothiazole