Synthesis, dyeing performance and surface finishing effects of aminoethyl methacrylate functionalized stilbene fluorescent whitening agents

Six novel stilbene fluorescent whitening agents bearing aminoethyl methacrylate groups were synthesized. Their molecular orbital energy levels, thermal stability, dyeing performance, and surface-finishing efficacy on cotton fibers were systematically characterized. The resulting compounds 6a-f exhibited high thermal decomposition temperatures and low orbital energy differences, contributing to exceptional whitening and surface finishing effects on pure cotton. Treated fibers achieved a whiteness value of 127.49-a 50.81 unit increase over untreated cotton. The yellow/blue index decreased by 10.82, confirming significant whitening and color enhancement. Moreover, fiber surfaces displayed improved smoothness, indicating effective finishing. Among these, Compound 6a demonstrated optimal performance and emerges as a promising multifunctional material for simultaneous high efficiency whitening and surface finishing.