JP5818200B2 - Ink composition, ink jet recording ink, and ink jet recording method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention is an ink composition that is excellent in preventing bleeding and color transfer of an image obtained, has high image quality such as image density, is excellent in storage stability of ink and recorded image, and is excellent in ejection stability and antiseptic properties. The present invention also relates to an inkjet recording ink and an inkjet recording method using the same.

In recent years, with the spread of computers, ink jet printers are widely used for printing on paper, film, cloth and the like not only in offices but also at home.
Ink jet recording methods include a method of ejecting droplets by applying pressure with a piezo element, a method of ejecting droplets by generating bubbles in ink by heat, a method of using ultrasonic waves, or a droplet by electrostatic force. There is a method of sucking and discharging. As these inks for inkjet recording, water-based inks, oil-based inks, or solid (melting type) inks are used. Among these inks, water-based inks are mainly used from the viewpoints of production, handleability, odor, safety, and the like.

The colorant used in these inks for ink jet recording has high solubility in solvents, high density recording, good hue, light, heat, air, water and chemicals. Excellent fastness, good fixability to image-receiving materials, low bleeding, excellent ink storage, no toxicity, high purity, and availability at low cost. It is requested. However, it is extremely difficult to search for colorants that meet these requirements at a high level.
Various dyes and pigments have already been proposed and actually used for inkjet, but no colorant that satisfies all the requirements has yet been discovered. Conventionally well-known dyes and pigments having a color index (CI) number are difficult to achieve both hue and fastness required for ink jet recording inks.
Up to now, the performance of ink for ink jet recording has been improved. Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose that a specific azo dye can satisfy both a good hue and high fastness required for an inkjet recording ink.

In addition, water-based inks are prone to spoilage and wrinkles are likely to occur. Therefore, when ink is used for a long period of time, the ink properties change due to spoilage, and the generated wrinkles become foreign matter in the ink, resulting in a marked deterioration in ejection properties. The problem is known. In particular, in the hue of the black region, the color of the pigment having a wrinkle is conspicuous and easily affects the hue, so that there is a problem that the hue of the ink after storage and the stability of the hue of the image after printing are inferior.
As an ink for ink jet recording containing a preservative, for example, an ink for ink jet recording obtained by dissolving or dispersing an azo dye or a phthalocyanine dye having a specific structure in Patent Document 3, the dye is from 1.0 V (vs SCE). Is a water-soluble dye having a noble oxidation potential, and it is disclosed that the ink contains at least one preservative. Patent Document 4 discloses an ink for ink jet recording containing a phthalocyanine dye having a specific structure and a thiazole compound. Further, the example of Patent Document 5 discloses an ink jet recording ink containing a specific black ink and a preservative.

JP 2003-306623 A JP 2005-139427 A Japanese Patent No. 4538229 JP 2007-217533 A Special table 2007-516317

  Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is that water-based inks are excellent in preventing bleeding and color transfer of images obtained from the viewpoints of handleability, odor, safety, etc., and image quality such as image density is high. An ink composition excellent in storage stability of an image obtained and excellent in ejection stability and antiseptic properties, an ink for ink jet recording using the ink composition, and an ink jet recording method using the ink for ink jet recording Is to provide.

（上記式中、Ｍはそれぞれ独立に水素原子又は一価のカウンターカチオンを表す。）
＜２＞
前記式（ＢＬＡＣＫ−１０）又は（ＢＬＡＣＫ−１１）で表されるアゾ化合物において、少なくとも１つのＭがリチウムイオンであることを特徴とする＜１＞に記載のインク組成物。
＜３＞
前記式（ＢＬＡＣＫ−１０）又は（ＢＬＡＣＫ−１１）で表されるアゾ化合物において、全てのＭがリチウムイオンである、＜１＞又は＜２＞に記載のインク組成物。
＜４＞
２種以上の防腐剤を含有する、＜１＞〜＜３＞のいずれか１項に記載のインク組成物。
＜５＞
各防腐剤のそれぞれの含有量が、防腐剤の総含有量の２０質量％以上である、＜４＞に記載のインク組成物。
＜６＞
前記少なくとも１種の防腐剤として、複素環化合物、フェノール誘導体、フェノキシエーテル誘導体、及びアルカンジオール類からなる群より選ばれる防腐剤を少なくとも１種含有する、＜１＞〜＜５＞のいずれか１項に記載のインク組成物。
＜７＞
前記少なくとも１種の防腐剤が前記複素環化合物を含み、該複素環化合物がチアゾール系化合物又はベンゾトリアゾール系化合物である、＜６＞に記載のインク組成物。
＜８＞
前記防腐剤の総含有量が、０．０１〜０．５質量％である、＜１＞〜＜７＞のいずれか１項に記載のインク組成物。
＜９＞
＜１＞〜＜８＞のいずれか１項に記載のインク組成物を含有するインクジェット記録用インク。
＜１０＞
＜９＞に記載のインクジェット記録用インクを用いる、インクジェット記録方法。
＜１１＞
支持体上に白色無機顔料粒子を含有する受像層を有する受像材料にインク滴を記録信号に応じて吐出させ、受像材料上に画像を記録するインクジェット記録方法であって、インク滴が＜９＞に記載のインクジェット記録用インクからなる、インクジェット記録方法。
本発明は、上記＜１＞〜＜１１＞に係る発明であるが、以下、それ以外の事項（例えば、下記〔１〕〜〔２５〕）についても記載している。 The above problems have been solved by the following method. That is, according to the present invention, there are provided the following ink composition, ink for ink jet recording using the ink composition, and an ink jet recording method using the ink for ink jet recording.
<1>
An ink composition containing at least one dye that is an azo compound represented by the following formula (BLACK-10) or (BLACK-11) in an aqueous medium, and containing at least one preservative. object.

(In the above formula, each M independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.)
<2 >
The ink composition according to <1 >, wherein in the azo compound represented by the formula (BLACK-10) or (BLACK-11) , at least one M is a lithium ion.
< 3 >
The ink composition according to <1> or <2> , wherein in the azo compound represented by the formula (BLACK-10) or (BLACK-11) , all M are lithium ions.
< 4 >
The ink composition according to any one of <1> to < 3 >, which contains two or more kinds of preservatives.
< 5 >
< 4 > The ink composition according to < 4 >, wherein the content of each preservative is 20% by mass or more of the total content of the preservatives.
< 6 >
Any one of <1> to < 5 >, which contains at least one preservative selected from the group consisting of a heterocyclic compound, a phenol derivative, a phenoxy ether derivative, and alkanediols as the at least one preservative. Item 4. The ink composition according to item.
< 7 >
The ink composition according to < 6 >, wherein the at least one preservative includes the heterocyclic compound, and the heterocyclic compound is a thiazole compound or a benzotriazole compound.
< 8 >
The ink composition according to any one of <1> to < 7 >, wherein the total content of the preservative is 0.01 to 0.5% by mass.
< 9 >
<1>-< 8 > The inkjet recording ink containing the ink composition of any one of < 8 >.
< 10 >
An inkjet recording method using the inkjet recording ink according to < 9 >.
< 11 >
Ink droplets onto the image receiving material having an image receiving layer containing white inorganic pigment particles on a support discharged in accordance with recording signals, an ink jet recording method for recording an image on receiving material, the ink droplets <9> An ink jet recording method comprising the ink for ink jet recording described in 1.
Although this invention is invention which concerns on said <1>-< 11 >, hereafter, other matters (for example, following [1]-[25]) are also described.

（一般式（１）中、Ａは置換若しくは無置換のアリール基、又は置換若しくは無置換の含窒素５員ヘテロ環基を表す。Ｇは窒素原子又は−Ｃ（Ｒ_２）＝を表す。Ｒ_２は、水素原子、スルホ基、カルボキシ基、置換若しくは無置換のカルバモイル基、又はシアノ基を表す。Ｙ_２、Ｙ_３及びＹ_４はそれぞれ独立に、水素原子、又は１価の置換基を表す。Ｙ_２、Ｙ_３及びＹ_４は、互いに結合して環を形成しても良い。Ｙ_２、Ｙ_３及びＹ_４の全てが同時に水素原子を表すことはない。Ｍはそれぞれ独立に水素原子又は一価のカウンターカチオンを表す。）
〔２〕
前記一般式（１）で表されるアゾ化合物が、下記一般式（２−１）で表されるアゾ化合物であることを特徴とする上記〔１〕に記載のインク組成物。

（一般式（２−１）中、Ｇは窒素原子又は−Ｃ（Ｒ_２）＝を表す。Ｒ_２は、水素原子、スルホ基、カルボキシ基、置換若しくは無置換のカルバモイル基、又はシアノ基を表す。Ｒ_１１、Ｒ_１２、Ｒ_１３、及びＲ_１４は、それぞれ独立に水素原子、又は１価の置換基を表す。Ａは置換若しくは無置換のアリール基、又は置換若しくは無置換の含窒素５員ヘテロ環基を表す。Ｍはそれぞれ独立に水素原子又は一価のカウンターカチオンを表す。）
〔３〕
前記一般式（１）又は（２−１）で表されるアゾ化合物が、下記一般式（３−１）で表されるアゾ化合物であることを特徴とする上記〔１〕又は〔２〕に記載のインク組成物。

（一般式（３−１）中、Ｇは窒素原子又は−Ｃ（Ｒ_２）＝を表す。Ｒ_２は、水素原子、スルホ基、カルボキシ基、置換若しくは無置換のカルバモイル基、又はシアノ基を表す。Ｒ_１１、Ｒ_１２、Ｒ_１３、及びＲ_１４は、それぞれ独立に水素原子、又は１価の置換基を表す。Ｘ_１、Ｘ_２、Ｘ_３、Ｘ_４、及びＸ_５はそれぞれ独立に水素原子、又は１価の置換基を表す。Ｍはそれぞれ独立に水素原子又は一価のカウンターカチオンを表す。）
〔４〕
前記一般式（１）、（２−１）又は（３−１）で表されるアゾ化合物が、下記一般式（４−１）で表されるアゾ化合物であることを特徴とする上記〔１〕〜〔３〕のいずれか１項に記載のインク組成物。

（一般式（４−１）中、Ｒ_１１、Ｒ_１２、Ｒ_１３、及びＲ_１４は、それぞれ独立に水素原子、又は１価の置換基を表す。Ｘ_１、Ｘ_２、Ｘ_３、Ｘ_４、及びＸ_５はそれぞれ独立に水素原子、又は１価の置換基を表す。Ｍはそれぞれ独立に水素原子又は一価のカウンターカチオンを表す。）
〔５〕
前記一般式（１）で表されるアゾ化合物が、下記一般式（２−２）で表されるアゾ化合物であることを特徴とする上記〔１〕に記載のインク組成物。

（一般式（２−２）中、Ｇは窒素原子又は−Ｃ（Ｒ_２）＝を表す。Ｒ_２は、水素原子、スルホ基、カルボキシ基、置換若しくは無置換のカルバモイル基、又はシアノ基を表す。Ｒ_３は、１価の置換基を表す。Ａは置換若しくは無置換のアリール基、又は置換若しくは無置換の含窒素５員ヘテロ環基を表す。Ｍはそれぞれ独立に水素原子又は一価のカウンターカチオンを表す。）
〔６〕
前記一般式（１）又は（２−２）で表されるアゾ化合物が、下記一般式（３−２）で表されるアゾ化合物であることを特徴とする上記〔１〕又は〔５〕に記載のインク組成物。

（一般式（３−２）中、Ｇは窒素原子又は−Ｃ（Ｒ_２）＝を表す。Ｒ_２は、水素原子、スルホ基、カルボキシ基、置換若しくは無置換のカルバモイル基、又はシアノ基を表す。Ｒ_３は１価の置換基を表す。Ｘ_１、Ｘ_２、Ｘ_３、Ｘ_４、及びＸ_５はそれぞれ独立に水素原子、又は１価の置換基を表す。Ｍはそれぞれ独立に水素原子又は一価のカウンターカチオンを表す。）
〔７〕
前記一般式（１）、（２−２）又は（３−２）で表されるアゾ化合物が、下記一般式（４−２）で表されるアゾ化合物であることを特徴とする上記〔１〕、〔５〕、〔６〕のいずれか１項に記載のインク組成物。

（一般式（４−２）中、Ｒ_３は、１価の置換基を表す。Ｘ_１、Ｘ_２、Ｘ_３、Ｘ_４、及びＸ_５は、それぞれ独立に水素原子、又は１価の置換基を表す。Ｍはそれぞれ独立に水素原子又は一価のカウンターカチオンを表す。）
〔８〕
前記一般式（１）で表されるアゾ化合物が、下記一般式（１−３）で表されるアゾ化合物であることを特徴とする上記〔１〕に記載のインク組成物。

（一般式（１−３）中、Ｇは窒素原子又は−Ｃ（Ｒ_２）＝を表す。Ｒ_２は、水素原子、スルホ基、カルボキシ基、置換若しくは無置換のカルバモイル基、又はシアノ基を表す。Ｘ_１、Ｘ_２、Ｘ_３、Ｘ_４、Ｘ_５、Ｘ_６及びＸ_７はそれぞれ独立に水素原子、又は１価の置換基を表す。Ｙ_２、Ｙ_３及びＹ_４はそれぞれ独立に、水素原子、又は１価の置換基を表す。Ｙ_２、Ｙ_３及びＹ_４は、互いに結合して環を形成しても良い。Ｙ_２、Ｙ_３及びＹ_４の全てが同時に水素原子を表すことはない。Ｍはそれぞれ独立に水素原子又は一価のカウンターカチオンを表す。）
〔９〕
前記一般式（１）又は（１−３）で表されるアゾ化合物が、下記一般式（２−３）で表されるアゾ化合物であることを特徴とする上記〔１〕又は〔８〕に記載のインク組成物。

（一般式（２−３）中、Ｇは窒素原子又は−Ｃ（Ｒ_２）＝を表す。Ｒ_２は、水素原子、スルホ基、カルボキシ基、置換若しくは無置換のカルバモイル基、又はシアノ基を表す。Ｘ_１、Ｘ_２、Ｘ_３、Ｘ_４、Ｘ_５、Ｘ_６及びＸ_７はそれぞれ独立に水素原子、又は１価の置換基を表す。Ｒ_１１、Ｒ_１２、Ｒ_１３、及びＲ_１４は、それぞれ独立に水素原子、又は１価の置換基を表す。Ｍはそれぞれ独立に水素原子又は一価のカウンターカチオンを表す。）
〔１０〕
前記一般式（１）、（１−３）又は（２−３）で表されるアゾ化合物が、下記一般式（３−３）で表されるアゾ化合物であることを特徴とする上記〔１〕、〔８〕、〔９〕のいずれか１項に記載のインク組成物。

（一般式（３−３）中、Ｒ_１１、Ｒ_１２、Ｒ_１３、及びＲ_１４は、それぞれ独立に水素原子、又は１価の置換基を表す。Ｘ_１、Ｘ_２、Ｘ_３、Ｘ_４、Ｘ_５、Ｘ_６及びＸ_７はそれぞれ独立に水素原子、又は１価の置換基を表す。Ｍはそれぞれ独立に水素原子又は一価のカウンターカチオンを表す。）
〔１１〕
前記一般式（１）、（１−３）又は（２−３）で表されるアゾ化合物が、下記一般式（４−３）で表されるアゾ化合物であることを特徴とする上記〔１〕、〔８〕、〔９〕のいずれか１項に記載のインク組成物。

（一般式（４−３）中、Ｒ_１１、Ｒ_１２、Ｒ_１３、及びＲ_１４は、それぞれ独立に水素原子、又は１価の置換基を表す。Ｘ_１、Ｘ_２、Ｘ_３、Ｘ_４、Ｘ_５、Ｘ_６及びＸ_７はそれぞれ独立に水素原子、又は１価の置換基を表す。Ｍはそれぞれ独立に水素原子又は一価のカウンターカチオンを表す。）
〔１２〕
前記一般式（１）又は（１−３）で表されるアゾ化合物が、下記一般式（２−４）で表されるアゾ化合物であることを特徴とする上記〔１〕又は〔８〕に記載のインク組成物。

（一般式（２−４）中、Ｇは窒素原子又は−Ｃ（Ｒ_２）＝を表す。Ｒ_２は、水素原子、スルホ基、カルボキシ基、置換若しくは無置換のカルバモイル基、又はシアノ基を表す。Ｘ_１、Ｘ_２、Ｘ_３、Ｘ_４、Ｘ_５、Ｘ_６及びＸ_７はそれぞれ独立に水素原子、又は１価の置換基を表す。Ｒ_３は、１価の置換基を表す。Ｍはそれぞれ独立に水素原子又は一価のカウンターカチオンを表す。）
〔１３〕
前記一般式（１）、（１−３）又は（２−４）で表されるアゾ化合物が、下記一般式（３−４）で表されるアゾ化合物であることを特徴とする上記〔１〕、〔８〕、〔１２〕のいずれか１項に記載のインク組成物。

（一般式（３−４）中、Ｒ_３は１価の置換基を表す。Ｘ_１、Ｘ_２、Ｘ_３、Ｘ_４、Ｘ_５、Ｘ_６及びＸ_７はそれぞれ独立に水素原子、又は１価の置換基を表す。Ｍはそれぞれ独立に水素原子又は一価のカウンターカチオンを表す。）
〔１４〕
前記一般式（１）、（１−３）又は（２−４）で表されるアゾ化合物が、下記一般式（４−４）で表されるアゾ化合物であることを特徴とする上記〔１〕、〔８〕、〔１２〕のいずれか１項に記載のインク組成物。

（一般式（４−４）中、Ｒ_３は、１価の置換基を表す。Ｘ_１、Ｘ_２、Ｘ_３、Ｘ_４、Ｘ_５、Ｘ_６及びＸ_７は、それぞれ独立に水素原子、又は１価の置換基を表す。Ｍはそれぞれ独立に水素原子又は一価のカウンターカチオンを表す。）
〔１５〕
前記一般式（１）、（２−１）、（２−２）、（２−３）、（２−４）、（３−１）、（３−２）、（３−３）、（３−４）、（４−１）、（４−２）、（４−３）、（４−４）で表されるアゾ化合物が、少なくとも３つ以上のイオン性親水性基を有することを特徴とする上記〔１〕〜〔１４〕のいずれか１項に記載のインク組成物。
〔１６〕
前記一般式（１）、（２−１）、（２−２）、（２−３）、（２−４）、（３−１）、（３−２）、（３−３）、（３−４）、（４−１）、（４−２）、（４−３）、（４−４）で表されるアゾ化合物において、少なくとも１つのＭがリチウムイオンであることを特徴とする上記〔１〕〜〔１５〕のいずれか１項に記載のインク組成物。
〔１７〕
前記一般式（１）で表されるアゾ化合物において、全てのＭがリチウムイオンである、上記〔１〕〜〔１６〕のいずれか１項に記載のインク組成物。
〔１８〕
２種以上の防腐剤を含有する、上記〔１〕〜〔１７〕のいずれか１項に記載のインク組成物。
〔１９〕
各防腐剤のそれぞれの含有量が、防腐剤の総含有量の２０質量％以上である、上記〔１８〕に記載のインク組成物。
〔２０〕
前記少なくとも１種の防腐剤として、複素環化合物、フェノール誘導体、フェノキシエーテル誘導体、及びアルカンジオール類からなる群より選ばれる防腐剤を少なくとも１種含有する、上記〔１〕〜〔１９〕のいずれか１項に記載のインク組成物。
〔２１〕
前記少なくとも１種の防腐剤が前記複素環化合物を含み、該複素環化合物がチアゾール系化合物又はベンゾトリアゾール系化合物である、上記〔２０〕に記載のインク組成物。
〔２２〕
前記防腐剤の総含有量が、０．０１〜０．５質量％である、上記〔１〕〜〔２１〕のいずれか１項に記載のインク組成物。
〔２３〕
上記〔１〕〜〔２２〕のいずれか１項に記載のインク組成物を含有するインクジェット記録用インク。
〔２４〕
上記〔２３〕に記載のインクジェット記録用インクを用いる、インクジェット記録方法。
〔２５〕
支持体上に白色無機顔料粒子を含有する受像層を有する受像材料にインク滴を記録信号に応じて吐出させ、受像材料上に画像を記録するインクジェット記録方法であって、インク滴が上記〔２３〕に記載のインクジェット記録用インクからなる、インクジェット記録方法。 [1]
An ink composition containing at least one dye, which is an azo compound represented by the following general formula (1), in an aqueous medium and containing at least one preservative.

(In general formula (1), A represents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted nitrogen-containing 5-membered heterocyclic group. G represents a nitrogen atom or —C (R ₂ ) ═. ₂ represents a hydrogen atom, a sulfo group, a carboxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, or a cyano group, and Y ₂ , Y _3, and Y ₄ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent. Y ₂ , Y ₃ and Y ₄ may combine with each other to form a ring, and all of Y ₂ , Y ₃ and Y ₄ do not represent a hydrogen atom at the same time, and M independently represents a hydrogen atom. Or represents a monovalent counter cation.)
[2]
The ink composition as described in [1] above, wherein the azo compound represented by the general formula (1) is an azo compound represented by the following general formula (2-1).

(In General Formula (2-1), G represents a nitrogen atom or —C (R ₂ ) ═. R ₂ represents a hydrogen atom, a sulfo group, a carboxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, or a cyano group. R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ , and R ₁₄ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, A represents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted nitrogen-containing 5 (M represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.)
[3]
In the above [1] or [2], the azo compound represented by the general formula (1) or (2-1) is an azo compound represented by the following general formula (3-1): The ink composition as described.

(In General Formula (3-1), G represents a nitrogen atom or —C (R ₂ ) ═. R ₂ represents a hydrogen atom, a sulfo group, a carboxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, or a cyano group. R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ , and R ₁₄ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , and X ₅ are each independently And represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and M independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.)
[4]
The above [1], wherein the azo compound represented by the general formula (1), (2-1) or (3-1) is an azo compound represented by the following general formula (4-1): ] The ink composition of any one of [3].

(In General Formula (4-1), R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ , and R ₁₄ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent. X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ And X ₅ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and M independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.)
[5]
The ink composition as described in [1] above, wherein the azo compound represented by the general formula (1) is an azo compound represented by the following general formula (2-2).

(In General Formula (2-2), G represents a nitrogen atom or —C (R ₂ ) ═. R ₂ represents a hydrogen atom, a sulfo group, a carboxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, or a cyano group. R ₃ represents a monovalent substituent, A represents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted nitrogen-containing 5-membered heterocyclic group, and M represents independently a hydrogen atom or a monovalent group. Represents the counter cation.)
[6]
In the above [1] or [5], the azo compound represented by the general formula (1) or (2-2) is an azo compound represented by the following general formula (3-2): The ink composition as described.

(In General Formula (3-2), G represents a nitrogen atom or —C (R ₂ ) ═. R ₂ represents a hydrogen atom, a sulfo group, a carboxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, or a cyano group. R ₃ represents a monovalent substituent, X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , and X ₅ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and M represents each independently hydrogen. Represents an atomic or monovalent counter cation.)
[7]
[1] The azo compound represented by the general formula (1), (2-2) or (3-2) is an azo compound represented by the following general formula (4-2) ] The ink composition according to any one of [5] and [6].

(In General Formula (4-2), R ₃ represents a monovalent substituent. X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , and X ₅ are each independently a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substitution. M represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.
[8]
The ink composition as described in [1] above, wherein the azo compound represented by the general formula (1) is an azo compound represented by the following general formula (1-3).

(In General Formula (1-3), G represents a nitrogen atom or —C (R ₂ ) ═. R ₂ represents a hydrogen atom, a sulfo group, a carboxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, or a cyano group. X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , X ₅ , X ₆ and X ₇ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and Y ₂ , Y ₃ and Y ₄ each independently Y ₂ , Y ₃ and Y ₄ may be bonded to each other to form a ring, and all of Y ₂ , Y ₃ and Y ₄ simultaneously represent a hydrogen atom. (M represents each independently a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.)
[9]
In the above [1] or [8], the azo compound represented by the general formula (1) or (1-3) is an azo compound represented by the following general formula (2-3): The ink composition as described.

(In General Formula (2-3), G represents a nitrogen atom or —C (R ₂ ) ═. R ₂ represents a hydrogen atom, a sulfo group, a carboxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, or a cyano group. X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , X ₅ , X ₆ and X ₇ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ and R _14. Each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and M independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.)
[10]
The above [1], wherein the azo compound represented by the general formula (1), (1-3) or (2-3) is an azo compound represented by the following general formula (3-3): ] The ink composition according to any one of [8] and [9].

(In General Formula (3-3), R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ , and R ₁₄ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent. X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , X ₅ , X ₆ and X ₇ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and M independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.)
[11]
The above [1], wherein the azo compound represented by the general formula (1), (1-3) or (2-3) is an azo compound represented by the following general formula (4-3): ] The ink composition according to any one of [8] and [9].

(In General Formula (4-3), R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ , and R ₁₄ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent. X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , X ₅ , X ₆ and X ₇ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and M independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.)
[12]
In the above [1] or [8], the azo compound represented by the general formula (1) or (1-3) is an azo compound represented by the following general formula (2-4): The ink composition as described.

(In General Formula (2-4), G represents a nitrogen atom or —C (R ₂ ) ═. R ₂ represents a hydrogen atom, a sulfo group, a carboxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, or a cyano group. X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , X ₅ , X ₆ and X ₇ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and R ₃ represents a monovalent substituent. Each M independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.)
[13]
The above [1], wherein the azo compound represented by the general formula (1), (1-3) or (2-4) is an azo compound represented by the following general formula (3-4): ] The ink composition according to any one of [8] and [12].

(In General Formula (3-4), R ₃ represents a monovalent substituent. X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , X ₅ , X ₆ and X ₇ are each independently a hydrogen atom or 1 (M represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.)
[14]
The above [1], wherein the azo compound represented by the general formula (1), (1-3) or (2-4) is an azo compound represented by the following general formula (4-4): ] The ink composition according to any one of [8] and [12].

(In General Formula (4-4), R ₃ represents a monovalent substituent. X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , X ₅ , X ₆ and X ₇ are each independently a hydrogen atom, Or M represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.
[15]
The general formulas (1), (2-1), (2-2), (2-3), (2-4), (3-1), (3-2), (3-3), ( 3-4), the azo compound represented by (4-1), (4-2), (4-3), (4-4) has at least three or more ionic hydrophilic groups. The ink composition according to any one of [1] to [14], wherein the ink composition is any one of the above.
[16]
The general formulas (1), (2-1), (2-2), (2-3), (2-4), (3-1), (3-2), (3-3), ( 3-4), (4-1), (4-2), (4-3), in the azo compound represented by (4-4), at least one M is a lithium ion, The ink composition according to any one of [1] to [15] above.
[17]
The ink composition according to any one of [1] to [16], wherein in the azo compound represented by the general formula (1), all M are lithium ions.
[18]
The ink composition according to any one of the above [1] to [17], which contains two or more kinds of preservatives.
[19]
The ink composition according to [18], wherein the content of each preservative is 20% by mass or more of the total content of the preservatives.
[20]
Any one of the above [1] to [19], which contains at least one preservative selected from the group consisting of heterocyclic compounds, phenol derivatives, phenoxy ether derivatives, and alkanediols as the at least one preservative. 2. The ink composition according to item 1.
[21]
The ink composition according to [20], wherein the at least one preservative includes the heterocyclic compound, and the heterocyclic compound is a thiazole compound or a benzotriazole compound.
[22]
The ink composition according to any one of [1] to [21], wherein the total content of the preservative is 0.01 to 0.5% by mass.
[23]
Ink for inkjet recording containing the ink composition according to any one of [1] to [22].
[24]
The inkjet recording method using the inkjet recording ink as described in said [23].
[25]
An ink jet recording method for recording an image on an image receiving material by ejecting ink droplets on an image receiving material having an image receiving layer containing white inorganic pigment particles on a support in accordance with a recording signal, An ink jet recording method comprising the ink for ink jet recording described in the above.

  According to the present invention, the water-based ink is excellent in handleability, odor, safety, etc., is excellent in preventing bleeding and color transfer of the obtained image, has high image quality such as image density, and the ink and the obtained image An ink composition having excellent storage stability, ejection stability and antiseptic properties, an ink jet recording ink using the ink composition, and an ink jet recording method using the ink jet recording ink are provided. Can do.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.
First, in the present invention, the substituent group A ′, the substituent group J, the ionic hydrophilic group, and Hammett's substituent constant σp value are defined.

(Substituent group A ′)
C1-C12 linear or branched alkyl group, C7-C18 linear or branched aralkyl group, C2-C12 linear or branched alkenyl group, C2-C12 linear Or a branched alkynyl group, a C3-C12 cycloalkyl group, a C3-C12 cycloalkenyl group (for example, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, i-propyl, n-butyl, i-butyl, sec-butyl) , T-butyl, 2-ethylhexyl, 2-methylsulfonylethyl, 3-phenoxypropyl, trifluoromethyl, cyclopentyl), halogen atom (for example, chlorine atom, bromine atom), aryl group (for example, phenyl, 4-t- Butylphenyl, 2,4-di-t-amylphenyl), heterocyclic groups (eg imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, 2-furyl, 2-thiol) Nyl, 2-pyrimidinyl, 2-benzothiazolyl), cyano group, hydroxyl group, nitro group, carboxy group, amino group, alkyloxy group (for example, methoxy, ethoxy, 2-methoxyethoxy, 2-methylsulfonylethoxy), aryloxy Groups (for example, phenoxy, 2-methylphenoxy, 4-t-butylphenoxy, 3-nitrophenoxy, 3-t-butyloxycarbonylphenoxy, 3-methoxycarbonylphenyloxy, acylamino groups (for example, acetamide, benzamide, 4- (3-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenoxy) butanamide), alkylamino groups (eg methylamino, butylamino, diethylamino, methylbutylamino), arylamino groups (eg phenylamino, 2-chloroanilino) Ureido group (for example, phenylureido, methylureido, N, N-dibutylureido), sulfamoylamino group (for example, N, N-dipropylsulfamoylamino), alkylthio group (for example, methylthio, octylthio, 2- Phenoxyethylthio), arylthio groups (eg phenylthio, 2-butoxy-5-t-octylphenylthio, 2-carboxyphenylthio), alkyloxycarbonylamino groups (eg methoxycarbonylamino), alkylsulfonylamino groups and aryls A sulfonylamino group (eg, methylsulfonylamino, phenylsulfonylamino, p-toluenesulfonylamino), a carbamoyl group (eg, N-ethylcarbamoyl, N, N-dibutylcarbamoyl), a sulfamoyl group (eg, For example, N-ethylsulfamoyl, N, N-dipropylsulfamoyl, N-phenylsulfamoyl), sulfonyl group (for example, methylsulfonyl, octylsulfonyl, phenylsulfonyl, p-toluenesulfonyl), alkyloxycarbonyl group (For example, methoxycarbonyl, butyloxycarbonyl), heterocyclic oxy group (for example, 1-phenyltetrazol-5-oxy, 2-tetrahydropyranyloxy), azo group (for example, phenylazo, 4-methoxyphenylazo, 4- Pivaloylaminophenylazo, 2-hydroxy-4-propanoylphenylazo), acyloxy group (for example, acetoxy), carbamoyloxy group (for example, N-methylcarbamoyloxy, N-phenylcarbamoyloxy), silyloxy group For example, trimethylsilyloxy, dibutylmethylsilyloxy), aryloxycarbonylamino group (for example, phenoxycarbonylamino), imide group (for example, N-succinimide, N-phthalimide), heterocyclic thio group (for example, 2-benzothiazolyl) Ruthio, 2,4-di-phenoxy-1,3,5-triazole-6-thio, 2-pyridylthio), sulfinyl group (eg 3-phenoxypropylsulfinyl), phosphonyl group (eg phenoxyphosphonyl, octyloxy) Phosphonyl, phenylphosphonyl), aryloxycarbonyl group (for example, phenoxycarbonyl), acyl group (for example, acetyl, 3-phenylpropanoyl, benzoyl), ionic hydrophilic group (carboxyl group, sulfo group, etc.) Be These substituents may be further substituted, and examples of the further substituent include a group selected from the substituent group A ′ described above.

(Substituent group J)
For example, halogen atom, alkyl group, aralkyl group, alkenyl group, alkynyl group, aryl group, heterocyclic group, cyano group, hydroxyl group, nitro group, alkoxy group, aryloxy group, silyloxy group, heterocyclic oxy group, acyloxy group , Carbamoyloxy group, alkoxycarbonyloxy group, aryloxycarbonyloxy group, amino group, acylamino group, aminocarbonylamino group, alkoxycarbonylamino group, aryloxycarbonylamino group, sulfamoylamino group, alkyl or arylsulfonylamino group , Mercapto group, alkylthio group, arylthio group, heterocyclic thio group, sulfamoyl group, alkyl or arylsulfinyl group, alkyl or arylsulfonyl group, acyl group, aryloxycarboni Examples include groups, alkoxycarbonyl groups, carbamoyl groups, aryl or heterocyclic azo groups, imide groups, phosphino groups, phosphinyl groups, phosphinyloxy groups, phosphinylamino groups, silyl groups, and ionic hydrophilic groups. . These substituents may be further substituted, and examples of the further substituent include a group selected from the substituent group J described above.

  More specifically, examples of the halogen atom include a fluorine atom, a chlorine atom, a bromine atom, and an iodine atom.

  Examples of the alkyl group include linear, branched, and cyclic substituted or unsubstituted alkyl groups, and include cycloalkyl groups, bicycloalkyl groups, and tricyclo structures having many ring structures. An alkyl group (for example, an alkyl group of an alkoxy group or an alkylthio group) in a substituent described below also represents such an alkyl group. Specifically, the alkyl group is preferably an alkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, for example, methyl group, ethyl group, n-propyl group, i-propyl group, t-butyl group, n-octyl group, eicosyl. Group, 2-chloroethyl group, 2-cyanoethyl group, 2-ethylhexyl group and the like, and the cycloalkyl group is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl group having 3 to 30 carbon atoms such as cyclohexyl group, A cyclopentyl group, 4-n-dodecylcyclohexyl group and the like. The bicycloalkyl group is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted bicycloalkyl group having 5 to 30 carbon atoms, that is, a bicycloalkane having 5 to 30 carbon atoms. Monovalent groups from which one hydrogen atom has been removed, for example, bicyclo [1,2,2] heptan-2-yl group, bicycl [2,2,2] octan-3-yl group.

  Examples of the aralkyl group include a substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group, and the substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group is preferably an aralkyl group having 7 to 30 carbon atoms. For example, a benzyl group and a 2-phenethyl group can be mentioned.

  Examples of the alkenyl group include linear, branched, and cyclic substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl groups, and include cycloalkenyl groups and bicycloalkenyl groups. Specifically, the alkenyl group is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms, such as a vinyl group, an allyl group, a prenyl group, a geranyl group, an oleyl group, and the like. Is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkenyl group having 3 to 30 carbon atoms, that is, a monovalent group obtained by removing one hydrogen atom of a cycloalkene having 3 to 30 carbon atoms, such as 2-cyclopentene-1 -Yl group, 2-cyclohexen-1-yl group and the like, and as the bicycloalkenyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted bicycloalkenyl group, preferably a substituted or unsubstituted bicycloalkenyl group having 5 to 30 carbon atoms, That is, a monovalent group obtained by removing one hydrogen atom of a bicycloalkene having one double bond, for example, bicyclo [2 2,1] hept-2-en-1-yl group, a bicyclo [2,2,2] oct-2-en-4-yl group and the like.

  The alkynyl group is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms such as an ethynyl group, a propargyl group, and a trimethylsilylethynyl group.

  The aryl group is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, such as a phenyl group, a p-tolyl group, a naphthyl group, an m-chlorophenyl group, an o-hexadecanoylaminophenyl group, and the like. Can be mentioned.

  The heterocyclic group is preferably a monovalent group obtained by removing one hydrogen atom from a 5- or 6-membered substituted or unsubstituted aromatic or non-aromatic heterocyclic compound, and more preferably a carbon number. Examples thereof include 3 to 30 5- or 6-membered aromatic heterocyclic groups such as a 2-furyl group, a 2-thienyl group, a 2-pyrimidinyl group, and a 2-benzothiazolyl group.

  The alkoxy group is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxy group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, such as a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, an isopropoxy group, a t-butoxy group, an n-octyloxy group, or a 2-methoxyethoxy group. Etc.

  The aryloxy group is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted aryloxy group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, such as a phenoxy group, 2-methylphenoxy group, 4-t-butylphenoxy group, 3-nitrophenoxy group, 2 -Tetradecanoylaminophenoxy group etc. are mentioned.

  Preferred examples of the silyloxy group include substituted or unsubstituted silyloxy groups having 0 to 20 carbon atoms such as a trimethylsilyloxy group and a diphenylmethylsilyloxy group.

  Preferred examples of the heterocyclic oxy group include substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic oxy groups having 2 to 30 carbon atoms, such as a 1-phenyltetrazole-5-oxy group and a 2-tetrahydropyranyloxy group.

  The acyloxy group is preferably a formyloxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkylcarbonyloxy group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted arylcarbonyloxy group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, such as an acetyloxy group, Examples include a pivaloyloxy group, a stearoyloxy group, a benzoyloxy group, and a p-methoxyphenylcarbonyloxy group.

  The carbamoyloxy group is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyloxy group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, such as N, N-dimethylcarbamoyloxy group, N, N-diethylcarbamoyloxy group, morpholinocarbonyloxy group, N , N-di-n-octylaminocarbonyloxy group, Nn-octylcarbamoyloxy group and the like.

  The alkoxycarbonyloxy group is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxycarbonyloxy group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms, such as a methoxycarbonyloxy group, an ethoxycarbonyloxy group, a t-butoxycarbonyloxy group, or an n-octylcarbonyloxy group. Etc.

  The aryloxycarbonyloxy group is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted aryloxycarbonyloxy group having 7 to 30 carbon atoms, such as phenoxycarbonyloxy group, p-methoxyphenoxycarbonyloxy group, pn-hexadecyloxy. Examples include phenoxycarbonyloxy group.

  The amino group includes an alkylamino group, an arylamino group, and a heterocyclic amino group, preferably an amino group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkylamino group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms. Examples of the substituted anilino group include a methylamino group, a dimethylamino group, an anilino group, an N-methyl-anilino group, a diphenylamino group, and a triazinylamino group.

  The acylamino group is preferably a formylamino group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkylcarbonylamino group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted arylcarbonylamino group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, such as an acetylamino group, Examples include pivaloylamino group, lauroylamino group, benzoylamino group, 3,4,5-tri-n-octyloxyphenylcarbonylamino group, and the like.

  The aminocarbonylamino group is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted aminocarbonylamino group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, such as a carbamoylamino group, N, N-dimethylaminocarbonylamino group, or N, N-diethylaminocarbonylamino group. And a morpholinocarbonylamino group.

  The alkoxycarbonylamino group is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxycarbonylamino group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms, such as methoxycarbonylamino group, ethoxycarbonylamino group, t-butoxycarbonylamino group, n-octadecyloxycarbonylamino. Group, N-methyl-methoxycarbonylamino group and the like.

  The aryloxycarbonylamino group is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted aryloxycarbonylamino group having 7 to 30 carbon atoms, such as phenoxycarbonylamino group, p-chlorophenoxycarbonylamino group, mn-octyloxyphenoxy. Examples thereof include a carbonylamino group.

  The sulfamoylamino group is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted sulfamoylamino group having 0 to 30 carbon atoms, such as a sulfamoylamino group, N, N-dimethylaminosulfonylamino group, Nn- Examples include octylaminosulfonylamino group.

The alkyl or arylsulfonylamino group is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted alkylsulfonylamino group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted arylsulfonylamino group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, such as a methylsulfonylamino group. Butylsulfonylamino group, phenylsulfonylamino group, 2,3,5-trichlorophenylsulfonylamino group, p-methylphenylsulfonylamino group, and the like.
Preferred examples of the alkylthio group include substituted or unsubstituted alkylthio groups having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, such as a methylthio group, an ethylthio group, and an n-hexadecylthio group.

  Preferred examples of the arylthio group include substituted or unsubstituted arylthio groups having 6 to 30 carbon atoms such as a phenylthio group, a p-chlorophenylthio group, and an m-methoxyphenylthio group.

  Preferred examples of the heterocyclic thio group include substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic thio groups having 2 to 30 carbon atoms, such as a 2-benzothiazolylthio group and a 1-phenyltetrazol-5-ylthio group.

  The sulfamoyl group is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted sulfamoyl group having 0 to 30 carbon atoms, such as N-ethylsulfamoyl group, N- (3-dodecyloxypropyl) sulfamoyl group, N, N-dimethylsulfuryl group. Examples include a famoyl group, an N-acetylsulfamoyl group, an N-benzoylsulfamoyl group, and an N- (N′-phenylcarbamoyl) sulfamoyl group.

  The alkyl or arylsulfinyl group is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted alkylsulfinyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted arylsulfinyl group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, such as a methylsulfinyl group, an ethylsulfinyl group, phenyl. Examples thereof include a sulfinyl group and a p-methylphenylsulfinyl group.

  The alkyl or arylsulfonyl group is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted alkylsulfonyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted arylsulfonyl group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, such as a methylsulfonyl group, an ethylsulfonyl group, or a phenyl group. A sulfonyl group, p-methylphenylsulfonyl group, etc. are mentioned.

  The acyl group is preferably a formyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkylcarbonyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted arylcarbonyl group having 7 to 30 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms. Heterocyclic carbonyl groups bonded to carbonyl groups at substituted carbon atoms, such as acetyl, pivaloyl, 2-chloroacetyl, stearoyl, benzoyl, pn-octyloxyphenylcarbonyl, 2-pyridyl Examples thereof include a carbonyl group and a 2-furylcarbonyl group.

  The aryloxycarbonyl group is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted aryloxycarbonyl group having 7 to 30 carbon atoms, such as phenoxycarbonyl group, o-chlorophenoxycarbonyl group, m-nitrophenoxycarbonyl group, pt- A butylphenoxycarbonyl group etc. are mentioned.

  The alkoxycarbonyl group is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxycarbonyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms, such as a methoxycarbonyl group, an ethoxycarbonyl group, a t-butoxycarbonyl group, and an n-octadecyloxycarbonyl group.

  The carbamoyl group is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, such as a carbamoyl group, an N-methylcarbamoyl group, an N, N-dimethylcarbamoyl group, or an N, N-di-n-octyl group. Examples thereof include a carbamoyl group and an N- (methylsulfonyl) carbamoyl group.

  The aryl or heterocyclic azo group is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted arylazo group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic azo group having 3 to 30 carbon atoms, such as phenylazo, p-chlorophenylazo, 5-ethylthio-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-ylazo and the like.

  Preferred examples of the imide group include an N-succinimide group and an N-phthalimide group.

  The phosphino group is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted phosphino group having 0 to 30 carbon atoms, such as a dimethylphosphino group, a diphenylphosphino group, a methylphenoxyphosphino group, and the like.

  The phosphinyl group is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted phosphinyl group having 0 to 30 carbon atoms, such as a phosphinyl group, a dioctyloxyphosphinyl group, a diethoxyphosphinyl group, and the like.

  Preferred examples of the phosphinyloxy group include substituted or unsubstituted phosphinyloxy groups having 0 to 30 carbon atoms such as a diphenoxyphosphinyloxy group and a dioctyloxyphosphinyloxy group.

  The phosphinylamino group is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted phosphinylamino group having 0 to 30 carbon atoms, such as a dimethoxyphosphinylamino group or a dimethylaminophosphinylamino group.

  Preferred examples of the silyl group include substituted or unsubstituted silyl groups having 0 to 30 carbon atoms such as a trimethylsilyl group, a t-butyldimethylsilyl group, and a phenyldimethylsilyl group.

(Ionic hydrophilic group)
Examples include a sulfo group, a carboxyl group, a thiocarboxyl group, a sulfino group, a phosphono group, and a dihydroxyphosphino group. Particularly preferred are a sulfo group and a carboxyl group. The carboxyl group, phosphono group and sulfo group may be in the form of a salt. Examples of counter cations that form a salt include ammonium ion, alkali metal ion (eg, lithium ion, sodium ion, potassium ion) and organic. Cation (eg, tetramethylammonium ion, tetramethylguanidinium ion, tetramethylphosphonium) is included, lithium salt, sodium salt, potassium salt, ammonium salt is preferable, lithium salt or mixed salt containing lithium salt as a main component Are more preferred, and lithium salts are most preferred.

The counter cation (monovalent counter cation) of the ionic hydrophilic group contained in the azo compound of the present invention preferably contains lithium ions as a main component. The counter cations may not be all lithium ions, but the lithium ion concentration in each of the ink compositions is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably based on the total counter cations in each ink composition. Is 75% by mass or more, more preferably 80% by mass, and particularly preferably 95% by mass or more.
Under such conditions, hydrogen ions, alkali metal ions (for example, sodium ions, potassium ions), alkaline earth metal ions (for example, magnesium ions, calcium ions, etc.), quaternary ammonium ions, quaternary phosphoniums Ions, sulfonium ions, and the like can be included as counter cations.

About the kind and ratio of the counter cation of the colorant, “New Experimental Chemistry Course 9” edited by the Chemical Society of Japan
Analytical Chemistry "(1977 Maruzen) and the Chemical Society of Japan" 4th edition Experimental Chemistry Course 15 Analysis "(1991 Maruzen) describes various theories about analytical methods and elements, so refer to them for analysis. The method can be selected, analyzed and quantified, among which it is easy to determine by an analytical method such as ion chromatography, atomic absorption, inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry (ICP).
As a method for obtaining the colorant of the present invention in which the counter cation contains lithium ions, any method may be used. For example, (1) a method of converting a counter cation from another cation to lithium ions using an ion exchange resin, (2) a method of acid precipitation or salting out from a system containing lithium ions, and (3) a counter cation of lithium ions A method of forming a colorant using a raw material and a synthetic intermediate, and (4) a method of introducing an ionic hydrophilic group by functional group conversion of each colorant using a reactive agent whose counter cation is a lithium ion (5) A compound in which the counter cation of the ionic hydrophilic group in the colorant is a silver ion is synthesized, and this is reacted with a lithium halide solution to remove the precipitated silver halide. The method of making it.

The ionic hydrophilic group in each colorant may be any as long as it is an ionic dissociation group. Preferred ionic hydrophilic groups include a sulfo group (may be a salt), a carboxyl group (may be a salt), a hydroxyl group (may be a salt), a phosphono group (may be a salt), a quaternary ammonium group, and an acylsulfamoyl group. (May be a salt), a sulfonylcarbamoyl group (may be a salt), a sulfonylsulfamoyl group (may be a salt), and the like.
A sulfo group, a carboxyl group, or a hydroxyl group (including salts thereof) is preferable. When the ionic hydrophilic group is a salt, a preferable counter cation is lithium or a mixed salt of an alkali metal (for example, sodium, potassium), ammonium, and an organic cation (for example, pyridinium, tetramethylammonium, guanidinium) based on lithium. Among them, lithium or an alkali metal mixed salt containing lithium as a main component is preferable, and a lithium salt of a sulfo group and a lithium salt of a carboxy group are particularly preferable.

(Hammett's substituent constant σp value)
Hammett's substituent constant σp value used in this specification will be described.
Hammett's rule is a method described in 1935 in order to quantitatively discuss the effect of substituents on the reaction or equilibrium of benzene derivatives. P. A rule of thumb proposed by Hammett, which is widely accepted today. Substituent constants determined by Hammett's rule include a σp value and a σm value, and these values can be found in many general books. A. Dean, “Lange's Handbook of Chemistry”, 12th edition, 1979 (Mc Graw-Hill) and “Chemicals” special edition, 122, 96-103, 1979 (Nankodo). In the present invention, each substituent is limited or explained by Hammett's substituent constant σp, but this means that it is limited to only a substituent having a value known in the literature, which can be found in the above-mentioned book. Needless to say, even if the value is unknown, it includes a substituent that would be included in the range when measured based on Hammett's rule. Although the compound concerning this invention is not a benzene derivative, (sigma) p value is used as a scale which shows the electronic effect of a substituent irrespective of a substitution position. In the present invention, the σp value will be used in this sense.

  In the present invention, when the compound is a salt, the salt is dissociated into ions in the ink, but is expressed as “contains a salt” for convenience.

  The ink composition of the present invention comprises at least one dye which is an azo compound represented by the following general formula (1) (hereinafter referred to as “azo dye” or “water-soluble dye”). In an aqueous medium, and the ink composition contains at least one preservative. When the ink composition contains the dye represented by the general formula (1) and further contains at least one preservative, the resulting image is excellent in preventing bleeding and color transfer of the obtained image, and image density and other images. Provided is an ink composition that is high in quality, excellent in storage stability of an ink and an obtained image, and excellent in ejection stability and antiseptic properties. The reason for this is not clear, but the ink composition contains the dye represented by the general formula (1) and at least one preservative in the aqueous medium without impairing the original properties of the dye. It is presumed that the generation of soot and microorganisms in the water is suppressed, and the ink ejection properties and antiseptic properties can be appropriately secured.

(In general formula (1), A represents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted nitrogen-containing 5-membered heterocyclic group. G represents a nitrogen atom or —C (R ₂ ) ═. ₂ represents a hydrogen atom, a sulfo group, a carboxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, or a cyano group, and Y ₂ , Y _3, and Y ₄ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent. Y ₂ , Y ₃ and Y ₄ may combine with each other to form a ring, and all of Y ₂ , Y ₃ and Y ₄ do not represent a hydrogen atom at the same time, and M independently represents a hydrogen atom. Or represents a monovalent counter cation.)

[Dye represented by general formula (1)]
The azo dye used in the ink composition of the present invention is represented by the general formula (1). The azo dye (black dye) represented by the general formula (1) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “azo compound represented by the general formula (1)”) will be described below.

(In general formula (1), A represents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted nitrogen-containing 5-membered heterocyclic group. G represents a nitrogen atom or —C (R ₂ ) ═. ₂ represents a hydrogen atom, a sulfo group, a carboxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, or a cyano group, and Y ₂ , Y _3, and Y ₄ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent. Y ₂ , Y ₃ and Y ₄ may combine with each other to form a ring, and all of Y ₂ , Y ₃ and Y ₄ do not represent a hydrogen atom at the same time, and M independently represents a hydrogen atom. Or represents a monovalent counter cation.)

G in the general formula (1) represents a nitrogen atom or —C (R ₂ ) ═. R ₂ represents a hydrogen atom, a sulfo group, a carboxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, or a cyano group. When the carbamoyl group has a substituent, the substituent is an alkyl group (methyl group, ethyl group), An aryl group (phenyl group) can be mentioned.

Y ₂ , Y ₃ and Y ₄ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent. At least one of Y ₂ , Y ₃ , and Y ₄ represents a substituent. Examples of the substituent in the case where Y ₂ , Y ₃ , and Y ₄ represent a substituent can include the substituent group J independently.
In the general formula (1), Y ₂ , Y ₃ and Y ₄ are each independently a hydrogen atom, an ionic hydrophilic group, a substituted or unsubstituted amino group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, substituted or unsubstituted. Are preferably any one of the following sulfamoyl groups, substituted or unsubstituted alkylsulfonylamino groups, substituted or unsubstituted arylsulfonylamino groups, and substituted or unsubstituted acylamino groups. When it is a substituted or unsubstituted amino group, it is preferably a heterocyclic amino group.
Y ₂ , Y ₃ and Y ₄ are each independently a hydrogen atom, an ionic hydrophilic group, a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic amino group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkylsulfonylamino group, a substituted or unsubstituted arylsulfonyl More preferably an amino group, a substituted or unsubstituted acylamino group, a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic amino group, a substituted or unsubstituted arylsulfonylamino group, a substituted or unsubstituted acylamino group It is particularly preferred that

When the heterocyclic amino group, sulfamoyl group, alkylsulfonylamino group, arylsulfonylamino group, or acylamino group represented by Y ₂ , Y ₃ , or Y ₄ has a substituent, each independently represents an ionic hydrophilic group. It is more preferable that it is a sex group (for example, —CO ₂ M, —SO ₃ M: M is a monovalent counter cation).
Y ₂ , Y ₃ , and Y ₄ may further have a substituent, and the further substituent may have a hydroxyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted amino group, or an ionic hydrophilic group. An aryl group and a heterocyclic group which may have an ionic hydrophilic group can be exemplified, and a substituted or unsubstituted amino group is preferable. The substituent of the substituted amino group is preferably, for example, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group, and substituted with an ionic hydrophilic group. More preferred is an alkyl group or an aryl group substituted with an ionic hydrophilic group.

As the heterocyclic amino group, a substituted or unsubstituted triazinylamino group is preferable, and a triazinylamino group having a substituent is more preferable.
The substituent that the triazinylamino group has is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted amino group, and particularly preferably a substituted or unsubstituted amino group.
As the substituent of the substituted amino group, the above examples are preferably used. Here, the alkyl group in the alkyl group substituted with an ionic hydrophilic group is preferably a methyl group, an ethyl group, or an n-propyl group, and more preferably an ethyl group. The aryl group in the aryl group substituted with an ionic hydrophilic group is preferably a phenyl group.

  As the acylamino group, an alkylcarbonylamino group, an alkylcarbonylamino group having an ionic hydrophilic group as a substituent, and an arylcarbonylamino group having an ionic hydrophilic group as a substituent are preferable. The alkyl group in the alkylcarbonylamino group is preferably a methyl group, an ethyl group, or an n-propyl group, and more preferably an ethyl group. The aryl group in the arylcarbonylacyl group is preferably a phenyl group.

Y ₂ , Y ₃ and Y ₄ do not all represent a hydrogen atom at the same time. Y ₂ , Y ₃ , and Y ₄ may be bonded to each other to form a ring. Examples of the ring formed by combining Y ₂ , Y ₃ , and Y ₄ with each other include a benzene ring and a naphthalene ring. And a benzene ring is preferable.
Among Y ₂ , Y ₃ and Y ₄ , Y ₃ preferably represents a substituent, Y ₂ and Y ₄ represent a hydrogen atom, and Y ₃ represents a substituent.
In particular, Y ₂ and Y ₄ represent a hydrogen atom, and Y ₃ represents a heterocyclic amino group having a substituted or unsubstituted amino group as a substituent, an arylsulfonylamino group having an ionic hydrophilic group as a substituent, or an ion Most preferably, it is an acylamino group having a hydrophilic hydrophilic group as a substituent.

More specific examples of the substituent represented by Y ₂ , Y ₃ and Y ₄ include the following substituent (A1).

(In the substituent (A1), * represents a bond as Y ₂ to Y _4. L ₁ represents a single bond, a carbonyl group, or a sulfonyl group. R ₁ represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, substituted or unsubstituted. Represents a substituted aryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group.)

R ₁ is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group. In the case of having a substituent, the substituent is an ionic hydrophilic group, aryl An amino group and an alkylamino group are mentioned.

  The substituent (A1) is preferably the following substituent (A2) or (A3).

(In the substituents (A2) and (A3), * represents a bond as Y ₂ to Y _4. L ₂ represents a carbonyl group or a sulfonyl group. R _A2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, or Represents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, and R _A3 represents a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group.)

R _A2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, and is preferably an alkyl group. In the case of having a substituent, the substituent is preferably an ionic hydrophilic group.
L ₂ is preferably a carbonyl group.
R _A3 represents a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group, and in the case of having a substituent, the substituent is preferably an alkylamino group or an arylamino group, more preferably an alkylamino group or an arylamino group. These may further have a substituent and are preferably substituted with an ionic hydrophilic group.

  The substituent (A3) is preferably the following substituent (A4).

(In the substituent (A4), * represents a bond as Y ₂ to Y _4. R _A4 independently represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkylamino group or a substituted or unsubstituted arylamino group.)

R _A4 each independently represents a substituted or unsubstituted alkylamino group or a substituted or unsubstituted arylamino group, and the substituent in the case of having a substituent is preferably an ionic hydrophilic group.

Specific examples of the alkyl group, aryl group, heterocyclic group alkylamino group, arylamino group and ionic hydrophilic group in the substituents (A1) to (A4) are the same as those in Y ₂ , Y ₃ and Y ₄ . It is.

Specific examples of the substituents (A1) to (A4) are shown below, but are not limited to the following examples. * Represents a bond as Y ₂ to Y ₄ .

A represents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted nitrogen-containing 5-membered heterocyclic group. The aryl group includes a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group. More specifically, an aryl group having substituent group J can be mentioned.
The aryl group represented by A is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group. Examples of the substituent include the groups described in the above-mentioned substituent group J, and the ionic hydrophilic group or the electron-withdrawing group having a Hammett's σp value of 0.3 or more is preferable.

  The nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group represented by A includes a substituted or unsubstituted nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group. The heterocyclic group represented by A is preferably a monovalent group obtained by removing one hydrogen atom from a 5-membered substituted or unsubstituted aromatic or non-aromatic heterocyclic compound, and has 2 to 4 carbon atoms. The 5-membered aromatic heterocyclic group is more preferable. Examples of the substituent include the groups described in the above-mentioned Substituent group J. Examples of the nitrogen-containing 5-membered heterocyclic group include a pyrrole ring, a pyrazole ring, an imidazole ring, a triazole ring, a thiazole ring, an isothiazole ring, and a thiadiazole ring when the substitution position is not limited.

  A is preferably an aryl group having a substituent, more preferably an ionic hydrophilic group or an aryl group having a Hammett's σp value of 0.3 or more, and an ionic hydrophilic group. A phenyl group having an electron-attracting group having a group or Hammett σp value of 0.3 or more is more preferable.

As the ionic hydrophilic group in the general formula (1), —SO ₃ M ₁ or —CO ₂ M ₁ is preferable, —SO ₃ M ₁ is more preferable, and —SO ₃ Li is particularly preferable.

M ₁ and M each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation. Examples of the monovalent counter cation include ammonium ion, alkali metal ion (eg, lithium ion, sodium ion, potassium ion) and organic. Cations (eg, tetramethylammonium ion, tetramethylguanidinium ion, tetramethylphosphonium) can be mentioned. As counter cations other than lithium ions, potassium ions and sodium ions are preferable, and sodium ions are more preferable.

As a salt to be formed, a lithium salt, a sodium salt, a potassium salt, or an ammonium salt is preferable, a lithium salt or a mixed salt containing a lithium salt as a main component is more preferable, and a lithium salt is most preferable.
When the azo compound represented by the general formula (1) is a mixed salt, it is a mixed salt of a lithium salt and a sodium salt from the viewpoints of solubility in water, aqueous solution viscosity, surface tension, and storage stability of a high concentration aqueous solution. It is preferable that a part of a plurality of M represents a lithium ion and the remaining M represents a sodium ion. A mode in which all M in (1) is mixed with a dye representing a sodium ion may be used.
When M is a mixed salt of a lithium salt and a sodium salt, the molar ratio of lithium salt to sodium salt (Li: Na) is preferably 99: 1 to 25:75, particularly 99: 1 to 50:50. 99: 1 to 55:45 are preferable, and 99: 1 to 65:35 is particularly preferable among them. Within this range, the solubility and dissolution rate in water are good, the viscosity and surface tension of the high-concentration aqueous solution can be easily adjusted, and the storage stability of the high-concentration aqueous solution tends to be excellent. In particular, the prescription design of the constituent requirements of the ink composition of the water-soluble ink for ink jet becomes easy, and an excellent raw material (high concentration aqueous solution, ink composition) that satisfies the required performance of the water-soluble ink for ink jet at a high level can be provided. Play.
The ratio of cations of the mixed salt can be measured by ion chromatography analysis.

  A particularly preferable combination as the compound represented by the general formula (1) includes the following (A) to (E).

(A) G represents a nitrogen atom or —C (R ₂ ) ═, and preferably —C (R ₂ ) ═. R ₂ represents a hydrogen atom, a sulfo group, a carboxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, or a cyano group, preferably a carbamoyl group (—CONH ₂ group) or a cyano group, and preferably a cyano group. More preferred.

  (B) A is preferably an aryl group having a substituent, more preferably an ionic hydrophilic group or an aryl group having an electron-withdrawing group having a Hammett's σp value of 0.3 or more. More preferably, it is a phenyl group having two hydrophilic hydrophilic groups.

(C) Y ₂ , Y ₃ and Y ₄ are each independently a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic amino group, an ionic hydrophilic group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted sulfamoyl. It is preferably any of a group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkylsulfonylamino group, a substituted or unsubstituted arylsulfonylamino group, a substituted or unsubstituted acylamino group, and a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted amino group is substituted. It is more preferably any of a heterocyclic amino group having, an ionic hydrophilic group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkylsulfonylamino group, a substituted or unsubstituted arylsulfonylamino group, a substituted or unsubstituted acylamino group, A hydrogen atom, a heterocyclic amino group having a substituted or unsubstituted amino group as a substituent, and an ionic hydrophilic group are placed. Arylsulfonylamino group having a group, and particularly preferably either an acylamino group having as a substituent an ionic hydrophilic group. As the acylamino group, an alkylcarbonylacyl group, an alkylcarbonylacyl group having an ionic hydrophilic group as a substituent, and an arylcarbonylacyl group having an ionic hydrophilic group as a substituent are preferable. The alkyl group in the alkylcarbonylacyl group is preferably a methyl group, an ethyl group, or an n-propyl group, and more preferably an ethyl group. The aryl group in the arylcarbonylacyl group is preferably a phenyl group.
Y ₂ and Y ₄ represent a hydrogen atom, Y ₃ represents a heterocyclic amino group having a substituted or unsubstituted amino group as a substituent, an arylsulfonylamino group having an ionic hydrophilic group as a substituent, or an ionic hydrophilic Most preferred is an acylamino group having a functional group as a substituent.

(D) As the ionic hydrophilic group, —SO ₃ M ₁ or —CO ₂ M ₁ is preferable, —SO ₃ M ₁ is more preferable, and —SO ₃ Li is particularly preferable.

(E) Each of M ₁ and M independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation. Examples of the monovalent counter cation include ammonium ions, alkali metal ions (eg, lithium ions, sodium ions, potassium ions). ) And organic cations (eg, tetramethylammonium ion, tetramethylguanidinium ion, tetramethylphosphonium), lithium salt, sodium salt, potassium salt, and ammonium salt are preferable, and lithium salt or lithium salt is the main component. The mixed salt is more preferable, and the lithium salt is most preferable.

The reason why this structure is preferable is that the water solubility of the azo compound of the general formula (1) is improved, and an azo dye structure capable of achieving both good hue and coloring power and high storage stability is electronically and sterically. It can be given.
As a result, the storage stability as an ink composition is improved, and the light fastness, thermal stability, wet heat stability, water resistance, gas resistance and / or solvent resistance, which are required ink properties, are greatly improved. Therefore, this is a preferable example.

  The compound represented by the general formula (1) is also preferably a compound represented by the following general formula (2-1).

  Hereinafter, the compound represented by formula (2-1) or a salt thereof will be described in detail.

(In General Formula (2-1), G represents a nitrogen atom or —C (R ₂ ) ═. R ₂ represents a hydrogen atom, a sulfo group, a carboxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, or a cyano group. R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ , and R ₁₄ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, A represents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted nitrogen-containing 5 (M represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.)

Examples of G, A, R ₂ and M in the general formula (2-1) are each independently synonymous with examples of G, A, R ₂ and M in the general formula (1), and preferable examples are also included. The same.

Examples of the monovalent substituent represented by R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ , and R _{14 in the} general formula (2-1) can include each independently a substituent group A ′, which is substituted or unsubstituted. It is preferably an alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group, an alkyl group substituted with an ionic hydrophilic group (an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms is mentioned, A methyl group, an ethyl group, an n-propyl group, an i-propyl group, an n-butyl group, an i-butyl group, a sec-butyl group, or a t-butyl group is preferable, and a methyl group, an ethyl group, or an n-propyl group is preferable. Is more preferable, and n-propyl group is further preferable), or an aryl group substituted with an ionic hydrophilic group (an aryl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms is exemplified, and a phenyl group and a naphthyl group are preferable, and a phenyl group is More preferred It is more preferable have.) A.

The compounds represented by the general formulas (1) and (2-1) are also preferably compounds represented by the following general formula (3-1).
Hereinafter, the compound represented by Formula (3-1) or a salt thereof will be described in detail.

(In General Formula (3-1), G represents a nitrogen atom or —C (R ₂ ) ═. R ₂ represents a hydrogen atom, a sulfo group, a carboxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, or a cyano group. R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ , and R ₁₄ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , and X ₅ are each independently And represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and M independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.)

Examples of G, R ₂ , R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ , R ₁₄ , and M in General Formula (3-1) are each independently G, R ₂ , in General Formula (2-1), It is synonymous with the example of R < ₁₁ >, R < ₁₂ >, R <_13> , R < ₁₄ > and M, and its preferable example is also the same.

In General Formula (3-1), X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , and X ₅ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent. Examples of the substituent in the case where X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , and X ₅ represent a substituent include the substituent group J described above.
X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ and X ₅ are each independently a hydrogen atom, ionic hydrophilic group, cyano group, substituted or unsubstituted alkylsulfonyl group, substituted or unsubstituted arylsulfonyl group, nitro Group, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxycarbonyl group, substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, substituted or unsubstituted sulfamoyl group, hydrogen atom, ionic hydrophilic group, cyano group, methanesulfonyl group, phenylsulfonyl A group, a nitro group, a methoxycarbonyl group, and a carbamoyl group are more preferable, and a hydrogen atom, an ionic hydrophilic group, or a cyano group is particularly preferable.

In General Formula (3-1), X ₂ and X ₄ are preferably each independently a hydrogen atom or an ionic hydrophilic group. X ₁ , X ₃ , and X ₅ are each independently preferably either a hydrogen atom or substituent group J, and at least one of X ₁ , X _3, and X ₅ has a Hammett σp value It preferably represents an electron withdrawing group of 0.3 or more. The upper limit of Hammett's substituent constant σp value is an electron withdrawing group of 1.0 or less.
If at least one of X ₁ , X ₃ , and X ₅ is an electron-withdrawing group having a σp value in this range, the hue of the azo compound can be adjusted, light fastness and ozone gas fastness can be improved. An effect can be acquired by using as a water-soluble dye for black ink.

  Specific examples of the electron withdrawing group having a σp value of 0.3 or more include acyl group, acyloxy group, carbamoyl group, alkyloxycarbonyl group, aryloxycarbonyl group, cyano group, nitro group, dialkylphosphono group, diaryl Phosphono group, diarylphosphinyl group, alkylsulfinyl group, arylsulfinyl group, alkylsulfonyl group, arylsulfonyl group, sulfonyloxy group, acylthio group, sulfamoyl group, thiocyanate group, thiocarbonyl group, halogenated alkyl group, halogenated Alkoxy group, halogenated aryloxy group, halogenated alkylamino group, halogenated alkylthio group, aryl group substituted with other electron-withdrawing group having σp value of 0.3 or more, nitro group, heterocyclic group, halogen Atom, azo group, or selenocyanate Group. A cyano group, a methylsulfonyl group, a phenylsulfonyl group, a methoxycarbonyl group, a carbamoyl group, and a nitro group are preferable, and a cyano group, a methylsulfonyl group, and a nitro group are more preferable.

From the viewpoints of hue, coloring power, and water-soluble storage stability, among the above, at least one of X ₂ and X ₄ is preferably an ionic hydrophilic group, and X ₁ , X ₃ and X ₅ are A hydrogen atom or Hammett's σp value is preferably an electron withdrawing group having a value of 0.3 or more, X ₁ , X ₃ and X ₅ are hydrogen atoms, and X ₂ and X ₄ are ionic hydrophilic groups. It is more preferable that it is a sex group. The ionic hydrophilic group is preferably —SO ₃ M ₁ or —CO ₂ M ₁ (M ₁ represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation), more preferably —CO ₂ M ₁ , and —CO _2. Li is particularly preferred.

  A particularly preferable combination as the compound represented by the general formula (3-1) includes the following (A) to (E).

(A) X ₂ and X ₄ are each independently preferably a hydrogen atom or an ionic hydrophilic group, and at least one of X ₁ , X ₃ and X ₅ has a Hammett's σp value of 0.3 or more It preferably represents an electron withdrawing group, and is a cyano group, a methylsulfonyl group, a phenylsulfonyl group, a methoxycarbonyl group, a carbamoyl group, or a nitro group, more preferably a cyano group, a methylsulfonyl group, or a nitro group, A cyano group is preferable, and it is particularly preferable that X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ and X ₄ are hydrogen atoms and X ₅ is a cyano group.

(B) G represents a nitrogen atom or —C (R ₂ ) ═, and preferably —C (R ₂ ) ═. R ₂ represents a hydrogen atom, a sulfo group, a carboxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, or a cyano group, preferably a carbamoyl group (—CONH ₂ group) or a cyano group, and preferably a cyano group. More preferred.

(C) As the monovalent substituent represented by R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ , and R ₁₄ , the substituent group A ′ can be exemplified, and a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, substituted or unsubstituted aryl It is preferably a group, a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group, more preferably an alkyl group substituted with an ionic hydrophilic group, or an aryl group substituted with an ionic hydrophilic group.

(D) As the ionic hydrophilic group, —SO ₃ M ₁ or —CO ₂ M ₁ is preferable, —SO ₃ M ₁ is more preferable, and —SO ₃ Li is particularly preferable.

(E) Each of M ₁ and M independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation. Examples of the monovalent counter cation include ammonium ions, alkali metal ions (eg, lithium ions, sodium ions, potassium ions). ) And organic cations (eg, tetramethylammonium ion, tetramethylguanidinium ion, tetramethylphosphonium), lithium salt, sodium salt, potassium salt, and ammonium salt are preferable, and lithium salt or lithium salt is the main component. The mixed salt is more preferable, and the lithium salt is most preferable.

The reason why this structure is preferable is that the water solubility of the azo compound of the general formula (3-1) and the association of the azo dye in the ink composition are remarkably improved, and in particular, the high storage stability in the ink composition is improved. Is mentioned.
As a result, long-term storage stability becomes possible, and the required performance of the ink, such as light fastness, thermal stability, wet heat stability, water resistance, gas resistance, and solvent resistance, is greatly improved. It becomes.

  The compound represented by the general formula (1), (2-1) or (3-1) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formula (4-1).

  Hereinafter, the compound represented by Formula (4-1) or a salt thereof will be described in detail.

(In General Formula (4-1), R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ , and R ₁₄ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent. X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ And X ₅ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and M independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.)

Examples of R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ , R ₁₄ , and M in the general formula (4-1) are each independently R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ , R in the general formula (2-1). ₁₄ and M, and preferred examples are also the same.

Examples of X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , and X ₅ in General Formula (4-1) are each independently X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , in General Formula (3-1), X _4, and are the same as examples of X _5, and preferred examples thereof are also the same.

  The reason why this structure is preferable is that the ring containing G in the general formula (1) is not a nitrogen-containing 5-membered hetero ring but a thiophene ring, so that the image fastness of a print using the ink composition of the present invention is improved. As a gray to black ink that can improve storage stability (for example, ozone gas fastness, light fastness), discoloration (color change), and fading (decoloring) at a higher level, and that the discoloration color change is required to be small Improves aptitude.

The compound represented by the general formula (1), (2-1), (3-1) or (4-1) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formula (5).
Hereinafter, the compound represented by the general formula (5) or a salt thereof will be described in detail.

(In General Formula (5), M ₁ , M ₂ , M ₃ , M ₄ , and M ₅ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation, and M ₁ , M ₂ , M ₃ , M ₄ , And when M ₅ represents a monovalent counter cation, it represents a lithium ion, a sodium ion, a potassium ion, or an ammonium ion.)

  The compound represented by the general formula (1) is also preferably a compound represented by the following general formula (2-2).

  Hereinafter, the compound represented by Formula (2-2) or a salt thereof will be described in detail.

(In General Formula (2-2), G represents a nitrogen atom or —C (R ₂ ) ═. R ₂ represents a hydrogen atom, a sulfo group, a carboxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, or a cyano group. R ₃ represents a monovalent substituent, A represents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted nitrogen-containing 5-membered heterocyclic group, and M represents independently a hydrogen atom or a monovalent group. Represents the counter cation.)

Examples of A, G, R ₂ and M in the general formula (2-2) are each independently synonymous with examples of A, G, R ₂ and M in the general formula (1), and preferable examples are also included. The same.

Examples of the monovalent substituent represented by R ₃ in the general formula (2-2) include a substituent group A ′, which includes a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, a substituted or It is preferably an unsubstituted heterocyclic group, more preferably an alkyl group substituted with an ionic hydrophilic group or an aryl group, and particularly preferably an alkyl group substituted with an ionic hydrophilic group. is there.
In the alkyl group substituted with the ionic hydrophilic group, the alkyl group is preferably a methyl group, an ethyl group, or an n-propyl group, and particularly preferably an ethyl group. The ionic hydrophilic group is preferably —SO ₃ M ₁ or —CO ₂ M ₁ (M ₁ represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation), more preferably —CO ₂ M ₁ , and —CO _2. Li is particularly preferred.

  The compounds represented by the general formulas (1) and (2-2) are preferably compounds represented by the following general formula (3-2).

  Hereinafter, the compound represented by formula (3-2) or a salt thereof will be described in detail.

(In General Formula (3-2), G represents a nitrogen atom or —C (R ₂ ) ═. R ₂ represents a hydrogen atom, a sulfo group, a carboxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, or a cyano group. R ₃ represents a monovalent substituent, X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , and X ₅ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and M represents each independently hydrogen. Represents an atomic or monovalent counter cation.)

Examples of G, R ₂ , R ₃ and M in the general formula (3-2) are each independently synonymous with examples of G, R ₂ , R ₃ and M in the general formula (2-2). The preferred examples are also the same.

In General Formula (3-2), X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , and X ₅ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent. Examples of the substituent in the case where X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , and X ₅ represent a substituent include the substituent group J described above.
X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ and X ₅ are each independently a hydrogen atom, ionic hydrophilic group, cyano group, substituted or unsubstituted alkylsulfonyl group, substituted or unsubstituted arylsulfonyl group, nitro Group, substituted or unsubstituted alkoxycarbonyl group, substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, substituted or unsubstituted sulfamoyl group, hydrogen atom, ionic hydrophilic group, cyano group, methanesulfonyl group, phenylsulfonyl Group, nitro group, methoxycarbonyl group, carbamoyl group, hydrogen atom, ionic hydrophilic group (-SO ₃ M ₁ or —CO ₂ M ₁ is preferable, —CO ₂ M ₁ is more preferable, —CO ₂ Li is particularly preferred.) Or a cyano group is particularly preferred.

In General Formula (3-2), X ₂ and X ₄ are preferably each independently a hydrogen atom or an ionic hydrophilic group. X ₁ , X ₃ , and X ₅ are each independently preferably either a hydrogen atom or substituent group J, and at least one of X ₁ , X _3, and X ₅ has a Hammett σp value It preferably represents an electron withdrawing group of 0.3 or more. The upper limit of Hammett's substituent constant σp value is an electron withdrawing group of 1.0 or less.
If at least one of X ₁ , X ₃ , and X ₅ is an electron-withdrawing group having a σp value in this range, the hue of the azo compound can be adjusted, light fastness and ozone gas fastness can be improved. An effect can be acquired by using as a water-soluble dye for black ink.

  Specific examples of the electron withdrawing group having a σp value of 0.3 or more include acyl group, acyloxy group, carbamoyl group, alkyloxycarbonyl group, aryloxycarbonyl group, cyano group, nitro group, dialkylphosphono group, diaryl Phosphono group, diarylphosphinyl group, alkylsulfinyl group, arylsulfinyl group, alkylsulfonyl group, arylsulfonyl group, sulfonyloxy group, acylthio group, sulfamoyl group, thiocyanate group, thiocarbonyl group, halogenated alkyl group, halogenated Alkoxy group, halogenated aryloxy group, halogenated alkylamino group, halogenated alkylthio group, aryl group substituted with other electron-withdrawing group having σp value of 0.3 or more, nitro group, heterocyclic group, halogen Atom, azo group, or selenocyanate Group. A cyano group, a methylsulfonyl group, a phenylsulfonyl group, a methoxycarbonyl group, a carbamoyl group, and a nitro group are preferable, and a cyano group, a methylsulfonyl group, and a nitro group are more preferable.

From the viewpoints of hue, coloring power, and water-soluble storage stability, among the above, at least one of X ₂ and X ₄ is preferably an ionic hydrophilic group, and X ₁ , X ₃ , and X ₅ Is preferably a hydrogen atom or an electron-withdrawing group having a Hammett's σp value of 0.3 or more, X ₁ , X ₃ and X ₅ are hydrogen atoms, and X ₂ and X ₄ are ionic. More preferably, it is a hydrophilic group. The ionic hydrophilic group is preferably —SO ₃ M ₁ or —CO ₂ M ₁ (M ₁ represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation), more preferably —CO ₂ M ₁ , and —CO _2. Li is particularly preferred.

  A particularly preferable combination as the compound represented by the general formula (3-2) includes the following (A) to (D).

(A) At least one of X ₂ and X ₄ is preferably an ionic hydrophilic group, and X ₁ , X ₃ and X ₅ are hydrogen atoms or electron withdrawing having a Hammett's σp value of 0.3 or more. It is preferable that X ₁ , X ₃ and X ₅ are hydrogen atoms, and X ₂ and X ₄ are more preferably ionic hydrophilic groups.

(B) As the monovalent substituent represented by R ₃ , substituent group A ′ can be mentioned, and a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a heterocyclic group is preferable. More preferably an alkyl group or an aryl group substituted with an ionic hydrophilic group.

(C) As the ionic hydrophilic group, —SO ₃ M ₁ or —CO ₂ M ₁ is preferable, —CO ₂ M ₁ is more preferable, and —CO ₂ Li is particularly preferable.

(D) Each of M ₁ and M independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation, and examples of the monovalent counter cation include ammonium ion, alkali metal ion (eg, lithium ion, sodium ion, potassium ion). ) And organic cations (eg, tetramethylammonium ion, tetramethylguanidinium ion, tetramethylphosphonium), lithium salt, sodium salt, potassium salt, and ammonium salt are preferable, and lithium salt or lithium salt is the main component. The mixed salt is more preferable, and the lithium salt is most preferable.

The reason why this structure is preferable is that the water solubility of the azo compound of the general formula (3-2) and the association property of the azo dye in the ink composition are remarkably improved, and in particular, the high storage stability in the ink composition is improved. Is mentioned.
As a result, long-term storage stability becomes possible, and the required performance of the ink, such as light fastness, thermal stability, wet heat stability, water resistance, gas resistance, and solvent resistance, is greatly improved. It becomes.

  The compound represented by the general formula (1), (2-2) or (3-2) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formula (4-2).

  Hereinafter, the compound represented by formula (4-2) or a salt thereof will be described in detail.

(In General Formula (4-2), R ₃ represents a monovalent substituent. X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , and X ₅ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent. M represents each independently a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.)

Examples of R ₃ and M in the general formula (4-2) are each independently synonymous with examples of R ₃ and M in the general formula (2-2), and preferred examples are also the same.

In the general formula _{(4-2), X 1, X} 2, X 3, X 4, and X _{5 X} 1 in the general formula _{(3-2), X 2, X} 3, X 4, and X ₅ It is synonymous with the example of, and a preferable example is also the same.

  A particularly preferable combination as the compound represented by the general formula (4) includes the following (a) to (d).

  (A) A in the general formula (1) is an aryl group having a substituent, and more preferably an ionic hydrophilic group or an aryl group having an electron withdrawing group having a Hammett's σp value of 0.3 or more. Preferably, it is a phenyl group having two ionic hydrophilic groups.

(B) As the monovalent substituent represented by R ₃ , substituent group A ′ can be mentioned, and a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a heterocyclic group is preferable. More preferably an alkyl group substituted with an ionic hydrophilic group or an aryl group, particularly preferably an alkyl group substituted with an ionic hydrophilic group (a methyl group, an ethyl group, or an n-propyl group, And n-propyl group is particularly preferable.

(C) As the ionic hydrophilic group, —SO ₃ M ₁ or —CO ₂ M ₁ is preferable, —CO ₂ M ₁ is more preferable, and —CO ₂ Li is particularly preferable.

(D) Each of M ₁ and M independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation, and examples of the monovalent counter cation include ammonium ion, alkali metal ion (eg, lithium ion, sodium ion, potassium ion). ) And organic cations (eg, tetramethylammonium ion, tetramethylguanidinium ion, tetramethylphosphonium). As a salt to be formed, a lithium salt, a sodium salt, a potassium salt, or an ammonium salt is preferable, a lithium salt or a mixed salt containing a lithium salt as a main component is more preferable, and a lithium salt is most preferable.

  The reason why this structure is preferable is that the ring containing G in the general formula (1) is not a nitrogen-containing 5-membered hetero ring but a thiophene ring, so that the image fastness of a print using the ink composition of the present invention is improved. As a gray to black ink, storage stability (for example, ozone gas fastness, light fastness), discoloration (color change), fading (decoloring) can be improved at a higher level, and change in discoloration color is required to be small. The aptitude is improved.

  The compound represented by the general formula (1), (2-2), (3-2) or (4-2) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formula (5-2).

(M ₂ independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation, and when M ₂ represents a monovalent counter cation, it represents a lithium ion, a sodium ion, a potassium ion, or an ammonium ion.)

Examples of M _{2 in} the general formula (5-2) are each independently synonymous with examples of M in the general formula (2-2), and preferred examples are also the same.

The present invention also relates to the azo compound represented by the general formula (1). An aqueous solution and a water-soluble ink composition using the azo compound of the present invention as a coloring agent (colorant) are used as coloring materials such as dyes and pigments. And a dispersant (such as a solvent) thereof, and can be suitably used for image formation.
The compound represented by the general formula (1) is also preferably a compound represented by the following general formula (1-3).

  Hereinafter, the compound represented by formula (1-3) or a salt thereof will be described in detail.

(In General Formula (1-3), G represents a nitrogen atom or —C (R ₂ ) ═. R ₂ represents a hydrogen atom, a sulfo group, a carboxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, or a cyano group. X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , X ₅ , X ₆ and X ₇ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and Y ₂ , Y ₃ and Y ₄ each independently Represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and Y ₂ , Y ₃ , and Y ₄ may be bonded to each other to form a ring, and all of Y ₂ , Y _3, and Y ₄ are simultaneously hydrogen atoms. (M represents each independently a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.)

Examples of G, R ₂ , Y ₂ , Y ₃ , Y ₄ and M in the general formula (1-3) are each independently G, R ₂ , Y ₂ , Y ₃ , Y ₄ and are the same as examples of M, and preferred examples thereof are also the same.

In General Formula (1-3), X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , X ₅ , X ₆ , and X ₇ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent. Examples of the substituent when X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , X ₅ , X ₆ , and X ₇ represent a substituent include the substituent J described above.
X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , X ₅ , X ₆ and X ₇ are each independently a hydrogen atom, ionic hydrophilic group, cyano group, substituted or unsubstituted alkylsulfonyl group, substituted or unsubstituted Preferably an arylsulfonyl group, a nitro group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkoxycarbonyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted sulfamoyl group, a hydrogen atom, an ionic hydrophilic group, a cyano group, A methanesulfonyl group, a phenylsulfonyl group, a nitro group, a methoxycarbonyl group, and a carbamoyl group are more preferable, and a hydrogen atom, an ionic hydrophilic group, or a cyano group is particularly preferable.
In the general formula (1-3), X ₁ , X ₃ , X ₅ and X ₇ are each independently preferably either a hydrogen atom or a substituent group J, and further, X ₂ , X ₄ , and It is preferable that at least one of X ₆ represents an electron withdrawing group having a Hammett σp value of 0.3 or more.
If at least one of X ₂ , X ₄ , and X ₆ is an electron-withdrawing group having a σp value in this range, the hue of the azo compound can be adjusted, light fastness and ozone gas fastness can be improved. An effect can be acquired by using as a water-soluble dye for black ink.

X ₂ , X ₄ and X ₆ are each independently a hydrogen atom, ionic hydrophilic group, cyano group, substituted or unsubstituted alkylsulfonyl group, substituted or unsubstituted arylsulfonyl group, nitro group, substituted or unsubstituted Are preferably an alkoxycarbonyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted sulfamoyl group, a hydrogen atom, an ionic hydrophilic group, a cyano group, a methanesulfonyl group, a phenylsulfonyl group, a nitro group, and a methoxy group. A carbonyl group or a carbamoyl group is more preferable, and a hydrogen atom, an ionic hydrophilic group, or a cyano group is particularly preferable.

Furthermore, it is preferable that at least one of X ₂ , X ₄ , and X ₆ represents an electron-withdrawing group having a Hammett's σp value of 0.3 or more. More preferably, it is an electron withdrawing group of 0 or less, X ₂ and X ₆ are ionic hydroxyl groups, and X ₄ represents an electron withdrawing group having a Hammett σp value of 0.3 or more.

  Specific examples of the electron withdrawing group having a σp value of 0.3 or more include acyl group, acyloxy group, carbamoyl group, alkyloxycarbonyl group, aryloxycarbonyl group, cyano group, nitro group, dialkylphosphono group, diaryl Phosphono group, diarylphosphinyl group, alkylsulfinyl group, arylsulfinyl group, alkylsulfonyl group, arylsulfonyl group, sulfonyloxy group, acylthio group, sulfamoyl group, thiocyanate group, thiocarbonyl group, halogenated alkyl group, halogenated Alkoxy group, halogenated aryloxy group, halogenated alkylamino group, halogenated alkylthio group, aryl group substituted with other electron-withdrawing group having σp value of 0.3 or more, nitro group, heterocyclic group, halogen Atom, azo group, or selenocyanate Group. A cyano group, a methylsulfonyl group, a phenylsulfonyl group, a methoxycarbonyl group, a carbamoyl group, and a nitro group are preferable, and a cyano group, a methylsulfonyl group, and a nitro group are more preferable.

From the viewpoint of hue, coloring power, and water-soluble storage stability, among the above, at least one of X ₂ , X ₄ , and X ₆ is preferably an ionic hydrophilic group, and X ₂ , X ₄ , And at least one of X ₆ is preferably an electron-withdrawing group having a Hammett's σp value of 0.3 or more, and X ₃ is an electron-withdrawing group having a Hammett's σp value of 0.3 or more. More preferably, X ₂ and X ₆ are ionic hydrophilic groups. The ionic hydrophilic group is preferably —SO ₃ M ₁ or —CO ₂ M ₁ (M ₁ represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation), more preferably —SO ₃ M ₁ , and —SO _3. Li is particularly preferred.

  A particularly preferable combination as the compound represented by the general formula (1-3) includes the following (A) to (E).

(A) G represents a nitrogen atom or —C (R ₂ ) ═, and preferably —C (R ₂ ) ═. R ₂ represents a hydrogen atom, a sulfo group, a carboxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, or a cyano group, preferably a carbamoyl group (—CONH ₂ group) or a cyano group, and preferably a cyano group. More preferred.

(B) Y ₂ , Y ₃ and Y ₄ are each independently a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic amino group, an ionic hydrophilic group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted sulfamoyl. It is preferably any of a group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkylsulfonylamino group, a substituted or unsubstituted arylsulfonylamino group, a substituted or unsubstituted acylamino group, and a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted amino group is substituted. It is more preferably any of a heterocyclic amino group, an ionic hydrophilic group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkylsulfonylamino group, a substituted or unsubstituted arylsulfonylamino group, a substituted or unsubstituted acylamino group as a group. , A hydrogen atom, a heterocyclic amino group having a substituted or unsubstituted amino group as a substituent, an ionic hydrophilic group Arylsulfonylamino group having a substituent group, and particularly preferably either an acylamino group having as a substituent an ionic hydrophilic group. As the acylamino group, an alkylcarbonylamino group, an alkylcarbonylamino group having an ionic hydrophilic group as a substituent, and an arylcarbonylamino group having an ionic hydrophilic group as a substituent are preferable. The alkyl group in the alkylcarbonylamino group is preferably a methyl group, an ethyl group, or an n-propyl group, and more preferably an ethyl group. The aryl group in the arylcarbonylamino group is preferably a phenyl group.
Y ₂ and Y ₄ represent a hydrogen atom, Y ₃ represents a heterocyclic amino group having a substituted or unsubstituted amino group as a substituent, an arylsulfonylamino group having an ionic hydrophilic group as a substituent, or an ionic hydrophilic Most preferred is an acylamino group having a functional group as a substituent.

The (c) an ionic hydrophilic _{group, -SO} 3 _{M 1} or _-CO 2 _{M 1 (M} 1 is. Representing a counter cation of the hydrogen atom or a monovalent) are preferred, _-SO 3 _{M 1} are more preferred, -SO ₃ Li is particularly preferable.

(D) Each of M ₁ and M independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation, and examples of the monovalent counter cation include ammonium ion, alkali metal ion (eg, lithium ion, sodium ion, potassium ion). ) And organic cations (eg, tetramethylammonium ion, tetramethylguanidinium ion, tetramethylphosphonium), lithium salt, sodium salt, potassium salt, and ammonium salt are preferable, and lithium salt or lithium salt is the main component. The mixed salt is more preferable, and the lithium salt is most preferable.

(E) X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , X ₅ , X ₆ , and X ₇ are each independently preferably either a hydrogen atom or substituent group J. It is more preferably a hydrophilic group, a cyano group, a methanesulfonyl group, a phenylsulfonyl group, a nitro group, a methoxycarbonyl group, or a carbamoyl group, and particularly preferably a hydrogen atom, an ionic hydrophilic group, or a cyano group. X ₁ , X ₃ , X ₅ and X ₇ are each independently preferably either a hydrogen atom or a substituent group J, and at least one of X ₂ , X ₄ and X ₆ is Hammett Preferably, it represents an electron withdrawing group having a σp value of 0.3 or more, X ₄ is an electron withdrawing group having a Hammett's σp value of 0.3 or more, and X ₂ and X ₆ are ionic. More preferably, it is a hydrophilic group. The ionic hydrophilic group is preferably —SO ₃ M ₁ or —CO ₂ M ₁ (M ₁ represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation), more preferably —SO ₃ M ₁ , and —SO _3. Li is particularly preferred.

The reason why this structure is preferable is that the water solubility of the azo compound of the general formula (1-3) is improved, and an azo dye structure capable of achieving both good hue and coloring power and high storage stability is obtained electronically and three-dimensionally. It can be mentioned that it can give.
As a result, the storage stability as an ink composition is improved, and the light fastness, thermal stability, wet heat stability, water resistance, gas resistance and / or solvent resistance, which are required ink properties, are greatly improved. Therefore, this is a preferable example.

  The compound represented by the general formula (1-3) is also preferably a compound represented by the following general formula (2-3).

  Hereinafter, the compound represented by Formula (2-3) or a salt thereof will be described in detail.

(In General Formula (2-3), G represents a nitrogen atom or —C (R ₂ ) ═. R ₂ represents a hydrogen atom, a sulfo group, a carboxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, or a cyano group. X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , X ₅ , X ₆ and X ₇ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ and R _14. Each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and M independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.)

Examples of G, R ₂ , X _{1 to} X ₇ , and M in General Formula (2-3) are each independently G, R ₂ , X _{1 to} X ₇ in General Formula (1-3), And examples of M, and preferable examples are also the same.

Examples of the monovalent substituent represented by R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ , and R _{14 in the} general formula (2-3) include a substituent group A ′, and a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, It is preferably a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic group, an alkyl group substituted with an ionic hydrophilic group, or an aryl group substituted with an ionic hydrophilic group. More preferred.
In R ₁₁ and R ₁₂ , one is preferably a hydrogen atom, and the other is preferably a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group or an aryl group having an ionic hydrophilic group. In R ₁₃ and R ₁₄ , one is preferably a hydrogen atom, and the other is preferably a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group or an aryl group having an ionic hydrophilic group.

In particular, one of the substituents (R ₁₁ and R ₁₂ ) of the amino group on the s-triazine ring is a hydrogen atom and the other is an alkyl group or aryl group having an ionic hydrophilic group, and (R ₁₃ and R ₁₄ ) Is a combination of an alkyl group or an aryl group having one hydrogen atom and the other having an ionic hydrophilic group, thereby improving the water solubility of the dye and the association of the dye in the water solubility (the interaction of the dye molecules It is preferable because the storage stability of the water-soluble ink (prevention of dye precipitation and suppression of dye decomposition), which is required for the coloring composition and the water-soluble ink for inkjet, can be greatly improved.

The compounds represented by the general formulas (1) and (2-3) are preferably compounds represented by the following general formula (3-3).
Hereinafter, the compound represented by Formula (3-3) or a salt thereof will be described in detail.

(In General Formula (3-3), R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ , and R ₁₄ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent. X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , X ₅ , X ₆ and X ₇ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and M independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.)

Examples of X _{1 to} X ₇ , R _{11 to} R ₁₄ , and M in General Formula (3-3) are each independently X _{1 to} X ₇ and R _{11 to} R in General Formula (2-3). ₁₄ and M, and preferred examples are also the same.

The compounds represented by the general formulas (1) and (2-3) are preferably compounds represented by the following general formula (4-3).
Hereinafter, the compound represented by Formula (4-3) or a salt thereof will be described in detail.

(In General Formula (4-3), R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ , and R ₁₄ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent. X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , X ₅ , X ₆ and X ₇ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and M independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.)

Examples of X _{1 to} X ₇ , R _{11 to} R ₁₄ , and M in General Formula (4-3) are each independently X _{1 to} X ₇ and R _{11 to} R in General Formula (2-3). ₁₄ and M, and preferred examples are also the same.

  Particularly preferred combinations as the compounds represented by the general formulas (2-3), (3-3), and (4-3) include the following (A) to (D).

(I) As the monovalent substituent represented by R _{11 to} R ₁₄ , the substituent group A ′ can be exemplified, and a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted group, and the like. It is preferably a heterocyclic group, more preferably an alkyl group substituted with an ionic hydrophilic group, or an aryl group substituted with an ionic hydrophilic group.

(B) The ionic hydrophilic group is preferably —SO ₃ M ₁ or —CO ₂ M ₁ , more preferably —SO ₃ M ₁ , and particularly preferably —SO ₃ Li.

(C) M ₁ and M each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation, and examples of the monovalent counter cation include ammonium ion, alkali metal ion (eg, lithium ion, sodium ion, potassium ion). ) And organic cations (eg, tetramethylammonium ion, tetramethylguanidinium ion, tetramethylphosphonium), lithium salt, sodium salt, potassium salt, and ammonium salt are preferable, and lithium salt or lithium salt is the main component. The mixed salt is more preferable, and the lithium salt is most preferable. Preferably _{(d) X} 2, X _4, and at least one of _{X 6} is an ionic hydrophilic _{group, X 2,} X _4, and at least one σp value of Hammett _{X 6} 0.3 The above-mentioned electron-withdrawing group is preferable, X ₄ is an electron-withdrawing group having a Hammett's σp value of 0.3 or more, and X ₂ and X ₆ are ionic hydrophilic groups. Is more preferable.

The reason why this structure is preferable is that the water solubility of the azo compounds of the general formulas (2-3), (3-3), and (4-3) and the association of the azo dyes in the ink composition are remarkably improved. The improvement of the high storage stability in an ink composition is mentioned.
As a result, long-term storage stability becomes possible, and the required performance of the ink, such as light fastness, thermal stability, wet heat stability, water resistance, gas resistance, and solvent resistance, is greatly improved. It becomes.

  The compound represented by the general formula (1-3) is also preferably a compound represented by the following general formula (2-4).

  Hereinafter, the compound represented by formula (2-4) or a salt thereof will be described in detail.

(In General Formula (2-4), G represents a nitrogen atom or —C (R ₂ ) ═. R ₂ represents a hydrogen atom, a sulfo group, a carboxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, or a cyano group. X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , X ₅ , X ₆ and X ₇ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and R ₃ represents a monovalent substituent. Each M independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.)

Examples of the general formula (2-4) in the _{G, X 1 ~X 7, R} 2 and M are, _G each independently the above general formula (1-3) in, _{X 1} ~X 7, _{R 2} and M It is synonymous with the example of, and a preferable example is also the same.

Examples of the monovalent substituent represented by R ₃ in the general formula (2-4) include a substituent group A ′, and include a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, and a heterocyclic ring. It is preferably a group, more preferably an alkyl group or an aryl group substituted with an ionic hydrophilic group.

  The compounds represented by the general formulas (1-3) and (2-4) are preferably compounds represented by the following general formula (3-4).

  Hereinafter, the compound represented by formula (3-4) or a salt thereof will be described in detail.

(In General Formula (3-4), R ₃ represents a monovalent substituent. X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , X ₅ , X ₆ and X ₇ are each independently a hydrogen atom or 1 (M represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.)

Examples of M in the general formula (3-4) in, _{R 3,} and _X 1 to X ₇ are, M each independently the above general formula (2-4) in, _{R 3,} and examples of _X 1 to X ₇ And preferred examples are also the same.

  A particularly preferable combination as the compounds represented by the general formulas (2-4) and (3-4) includes the following (A) to (D).

(I) As the monovalent substituent represented by R ₃ , substituent group A ′ can be exemplified, and a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a heterocyclic group is preferable. More preferably an alkyl group or an aryl group substituted with an ionic hydrophilic group.

(B) The ionic hydrophilic group is preferably —SO ₃ M ₁ or —CO ₂ M ₁ , more preferably —SO ₃ M ₁ , and particularly preferably —SO ₃ Li.

(C) M ₁ and M each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation, and examples of the monovalent counter cation include ammonium ion, alkali metal ion (eg, lithium ion, sodium ion, potassium ion). ) And organic cations (eg, tetramethylammonium ion, tetramethylguanidinium ion, tetramethylphosphonium), lithium salt, sodium salt, potassium salt, and ammonium salt are preferable, and lithium salt or lithium salt is the main component. The mixed salt is more preferable, and the lithium salt is most preferable. Preferably _{(d) X} 2, X _4, and at least one of _{X 6} is an ionic hydrophilic _{group, X 2,} X _4, and at least one σp value of Hammett _{X 6} 0.3 The above-mentioned electron-withdrawing group is preferable, X ₄ is an electron-withdrawing group having a Hammett's σp value of 0.3 or more, and X ₂ and X ₆ are ionic hydrophilic groups. Is more preferable.

The reason why this structure is preferable is that the water solubility of the azo compounds of the general formulas (2-4) and (3-4) and the association of the azo dyes in the ink composition are remarkably improved. The storage stability is improved.
As a result, long-term storage stability becomes possible, and the required performance of the ink, such as light fastness, thermal stability, wet heat stability, water resistance, gas resistance, and solvent resistance, is greatly improved. It becomes.

  The compound represented by the general formula (1-3) or (2-4) is preferably a compound represented by the following general formula (4-4).

  Hereinafter, the compound represented by formula (4-4) or a salt thereof will be described in detail.

(In General Formula (4-4), R ₃ represents a monovalent substituent. X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , X ₅ , X ₆ and X ₇ are each independently a hydrogen atom, Or M represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.

Examples of _{R 3,} X 1 _{~X 7} and M in the general formula (4-4), respectively _{R 3,} X 1 _{~X 7} and M of Example synonymous independently by the general formula (2-4) in The preferred examples are also the same.

  The present invention also relates to the azo compound represented by the general formula (1), and an ink composition using the azo compound of the present invention as a coloring matter (coloring agent) includes a coloring material such as a dye or a pigment and a dispersion thereof. It means a composition containing an agent (such as a solvent) and can be suitably used particularly for image formation.

(In general formula (1), A represents a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted nitrogen-containing 5-membered heterocyclic group. G represents a nitrogen atom or —C (R ₂ ) ═. ₂ represents a hydrogen atom, a sulfo group, a carboxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, or a cyano group, and Y ₂ , Y _3, and Y ₄ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent. Y ₂ , Y ₃ and Y ₄ may combine with each other to form a ring, and all of Y ₂ , Y ₃ and Y ₄ do not represent a hydrogen atom at the same time, and M independently represents a hydrogen atom. Or represents a monovalent counter cation.)

Examples of G, A, R ₂ , Y ₂ , Y ₃ , Y ₄ and M in the general formula (1) are each independently G, A, R ₂ , Y ₂ , Y _3, is _{Y 4} and same as examples of M, and preferred examples thereof are also the same.

  The azo compound represented by the general formula (1) is also preferably an azo compound represented by the following general formula (3-1).

(In General Formula (3-1), G represents a nitrogen atom or —C (R ₂ ) ═. R ₂ represents a hydrogen atom, a sulfo group, a carboxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, or a cyano group. R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ , and R ₁₄ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , and X ₅ are each independently And represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and M independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.)

Examples of G, R ₂ , R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ , R ₁₄ , X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , X ₅ and M in the general formula (3-1) are each independently described above. In the general formula (3-1) of G, R ₂ , R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ , R ₁₄ , X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , X ₅ and M, The preferred examples are also the same.

  It is preferable that the azo compound represented by the general formula (3-1) is an azo compound represented by the following general formula (4-1).

(In General Formula (4-1), R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ , and R ₁₄ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent. X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ And X ₅ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and M independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.)

Examples of R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ , R ₁₄ , X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , X ₅ and M in the general formula (4-1) are each independently the above-described general formula (4 The same as the examples of R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ , R ₁₄ , X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , X ₅ and M in -1), and preferred examples are also the same.

  The azo compound represented by the general formula (4-1) is preferably an azo compound represented by the following general formula (5).

(In General Formula (5), M ₁ , M ₂ , M ₃ , M ₄ , and M ₅ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation, and M ₁ , M ₂ , M ₃ , M ₄ , And when M ₅ represents a monovalent counter cation, it represents a lithium ion, a sodium ion, a potassium ion, or an ammonium ion.)

  The azo compound represented by the general formula (1) is also preferably an azo compound represented by the following general formula (6).

(In General Formula (6), X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , and X ₅ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent. Y ₂ , Y ₃ , and Y ₄ are Each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, Y ₂ , Y ₃ and Y ₄ do not all represent a hydrogen atom at the same time, and M independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation. )

Examples of X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , X ₅ and M in the general formula (6) are each independently X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X in the general formula (3-1). ₄ , X ₅ and M are the same as the examples, and preferred examples are also the same.
Examples of Y ₂ , Y ₃ , and Y _{4 in} the general formula (6) are each independently synonymous with examples of Y ₂ , Y ₃ , and Y _{4 in} the general formula (1), and preferable examples are also included. The same.

  The azo compound represented by the general formula (1) is also preferably an azo compound represented by the following general formula (7).

(In General Formula (7), X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , and X ₅ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent. Y ₂ , Y ₃ , Y ₄ are each (Independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent. Y ₂ , Y ₃ and Y ₄ do not all represent a hydrogen atom at the same time. M independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.)

Examples of Y ₂ , Y ₃ , Y ₄ , X _{1 to} X ₅ and M in the general formula (7) are each independently Y ₂ , Y ₃ , Y ₄ , X _{1 in} the general formula (6). it is the same as examples of to X ₅ and M, and preferred examples thereof are also the same.

  The azo compound represented by the general formulas (1) and (7) is also preferably an azo compound represented by the following formula (8).

  The present invention also relates to an azo compound represented by the general formula (2-3), and an ink composition using the azo compound of the present invention as a coloring matter (coloring agent) includes a coloring material such as a dye or a pigment and the coloring material. In particular, it can be suitably used for image formation.

(In General Formula (2-3), G represents a nitrogen atom or —C (R ₂ ) ═. R ₂ represents a hydrogen atom, a sulfo group, a carboxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, or a cyano group. X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , X ₅ , X ₆ and X ₇ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ and R _14. Each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and M independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.)

Examples of G, R ₂ , R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ , R ₁₄ , X _{1 to} X ₇ and M in General Formula (2-3) are each independently in General Formula (2-3) above. Are the same as the examples of G, R ₂ , R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ , R ₁₄ , X _{1 to} X ₇ and M, and preferred examples are also the same.

  The azo compound represented by the general formula (2-3) is preferably an azo compound represented by the following general formula (4-3).

(In General Formula (4-3), R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ , and R ₁₄ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent. X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , X ₅ , X ₆ and X ₇ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and M independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.)

Examples of R ₁₁ , R ₁₂ , R ₁₃ , R ₁₄ , X _{1 to} X ₇ and M in the general formula (4-3) are each independently R ₁₁ , R in the general formula (4-3). ₁₂ , R ₁₃ , R ₁₄ , X _{1 to} X ₇ and M are synonymous with examples, and preferred examples are also the same.

  The present invention also relates to the azo compound represented by the general formula (2-4), and an ink composition using the azo compound of the present invention as a coloring matter (coloring agent) includes a coloring material such as a dye or a pigment, and In particular, it can be suitably used for image formation.

(In General Formula (2-4), G represents a nitrogen atom or —C (R ₂ ) ═. R ₂ represents a hydrogen atom, a sulfo group, a carboxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted carbamoyl group, or a cyano group. X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , X ₅ , X ₆ and X ₇ each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and R ₃ represents a monovalent substituent. Each M independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.)

  The azo compound represented by the general formula (2-4) is preferably an azo compound represented by the following general formula (3-4).

(In General Formula (3-4), R ₃ represents a monovalent substituent. X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , X ₅ , X ₆ and X ₇ are each independently a hydrogen atom or 1 (M represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.)

  The azo compound represented by the general formula (2-4) is also preferably an azo compound represented by the following general formula (4-4).

(In General Formula (4-4), R ₃ represents a monovalent substituent. X ₁ , X ₂ , X ₃ , X ₄ , X ₅ , X ₆ and X ₇ are each independently a hydrogen atom, Or M represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.

General formula (1), (2-1), (2-2), (2-3), (2-4), (3-1), (3-2), (3-3), (3 -4), (4-1), (4-2), (4-3), (4-4), (5) to (7), and the compound represented by formula (8) is obtained by using water as a solvent. The maximum absorption wavelength (λ _max ) of the absorption spectrum measured as is preferably from 550 nm to 700 nm, more preferably from 580 nm to 650 nm.
In the present invention, the general formulas (1), (2-1), (2-2), (2-3), (2-4), (3-1), (3-2), (3 -3), (3-4), (4-1), (4-2), (4-3), (4-4), (5) to (7), and represented by formula (8) The compound preferably has at least three or more ionic hydrophilic groups. More preferably, it has 3-6 ionic hydrophilic groups, and still more preferably 4-5 ionic hydrophilic groups. As a result, the water solubility and aqueous solution storage stability of the azo compound of the present invention are improved, the required performance as a water-soluble dye for inkjet recording black ink is satisfied at a high level, and the inkjet printed matter when used as an inkjet recording ink is further improved. There is an effect that the image quality can be further improved.
General formula (1), (2-1), (2-2), (2-3), (2-4), (3-1), (3-2), (3-3), (3 -4), (4-1), (4-2), (4-3), (4-4), (5) to (7), and an azo compound represented by formula (8), at least 1 It is preferable that one M is a lithium ion.
In the present invention, the general formulas (1), (2-1), (2-2), (2-3), (2-4), (3-1), (3-2), (3 -3), (3-4), (4-1), (4-2), (4-3), (4-4), (5) to (7), and represented by formula (8) It is applicable even if the compound contains isotopes (eg, 2H, 3H, 13C, 15N).

  The general formulas (1), (2-1), (2-2), (2-3), (2-4), (3-1), (3-2), and (3-3) are described below. Specific examples of the compounds represented by (3-4), (4-1), (4-2), (4-3), (4-4), and (5) to (7) are shown below. However, the compounds used in the present invention are not limited to the following examples. M represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation (lithium ion, sodium ion, potassium ion, or ammonium ion).

The dye represented by the general formula (1) may be in a mixed salt state in which a plurality of types of M are present. In the case of a mixed salt, the M of the dye represented by the general formula (1) contained in the ink preferably has a molar fraction of 50 to 100%, more preferably 80 to 100%, and particularly 90 of them. It is preferred that ~ 100% of M is Li ⁺ ions. As M other than Li ⁺ ions, Na ⁺ ions and NH ₄ ⁺ ions are preferable, and Na ⁺ ions are more preferable.

Moreover, it is also preferable that all M of the dye represented by the general formula (1) contained in the ink is not Li but Li. When all M is Li, in a molecular dispersion state dissolved in an aqueous solution or an ink solution, a carboxy group that is an ionic hydrophilic group or a salt thereof (—CO ₂ M) is dissociated and —CO ₂ ^— and An effect that it is easy to suppress the formation of a salt state having a lower solubility in an aqueous solution or an ink solution and precipitation in the state of a colorant salt by exchanging cationic species in an ionized state of M ^+. Is obtained.
The dye represented by the general formula (1) can be synthesized by a general synthesis method, for example, by a coupling reaction between a diazo component and a coupler. Specifically, it can be synthesized by the method described in JP-A No. 2003-306623 or JP-A No. 2005-139427.

(Ink composition)
The ink composition of the present invention (also referred to as the ink of the present invention) contains at least one dye represented by the general formula (1) in an aqueous medium, and preferably dissolves in the aqueous medium. It becomes.
The content of the dye represented by the general formula (1) in the ink composition is preferably 0.2 to 20% by mass, more preferably 0.5 to 15% with respect to the total amount of the ink composition. It is 1 mass%, More preferably, it is 1-10 mass%. By using the dye, bleeding and color transfer of the obtained image can be suppressed, and quality having a good image density can be obtained. Furthermore, since it is excellent in fastness to light, heat, air, water, chemicals, etc. as compared with general azo dyes, it contributes to the storage stability of ink and recorded images.
The ink composition of the present invention is preferably used as an ink for ink jet recording. That is, the present invention also relates to an ink jet recording ink containing the ink composition of the present invention. The content of the dye represented by the general formula (1) in the inkjet recording ink is the same as the content in the ink composition.
The ink for ink jet recording of the present invention can be prepared by diluting a stock solution of ink for ink jet recording with water or the like. The amount of the dye represented by the general formula (1) added to the ink stock solution for ink jet recording can be used in a wide range, but is preferably 1 to 20% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink stock solution for ink jet recording. More preferably, it is 5 to 15% by mass. Further, the ink for ink jet recording of the present invention may contain the components described later which may be contained in the ink composition of the present invention.

The black dye used in the present invention has an excellent forced fading rate constant for ozone gas. The measurement of the forced fading rate constant for ozone gas is the color of the main spectral absorption region of the ink obtained by printing only the ink on the reflective image receiving medium, and the reflection density measured through the status A filter is 0. A colored region having a density of .90 to 1.10 is selected as an initial density point, and this initial density is set as a starting density (= 100%). This image is faded using an ozone fading tester that constantly maintains an ozone concentration of 5 mg / L, the time until the concentration reaches 80% of the initial concentration is measured, and the reciprocal of this time [hour ⁻¹ ] is calculated. The amber reaction rate constant is obtained on the assumption that the relationship between the amber color density and the time follows the rate equation of the first order reaction. Therefore, the obtained fading speed constant is the fading speed constant of the colored area printed by the ink, but in this specification, this value is used as the fading speed constant of the ink.

  As the test print patch, a patch printed with a black square symbol of JIS code 2223, a stepped color patch of Macbeth chart, or any other step density patch that can obtain a measurement area can be used.

  The reflection density of the reflected image (stepped color patch) printed for measurement is the density obtained with the measurement light transmitted through the status A filter by a densitometer satisfying international standard ISO5-4 (geometric condition of reflection density). It is.

  The test chamber for measuring the forced fading rate constant for ozone gas is provided with an ozone generator (for example, a high-pressure discharge system that applies an AC voltage to dry air) that can constantly maintain the internal ozone gas concentration at 5 mg / L, The aeration temperature is adjusted to 25 ° C.

  This forced fading rate constant is determined by the susceptibility to oxidation by an oxidizing atmosphere in the environment, such as photochemical smog, automobile exhaust, organic vapor from painted surfaces and carpets of furniture, and gas generated in the frame of a bright room. An index that represents these oxidizing atmospheres with ozone gas.

  In addition to the azo dye represented by the general formula (1), the ink composition of the present invention (preferably an ink for ink jet recording) may be used for the purpose of obtaining a solid black image and for adjusting the color tone. These dyes may be used in combination. Examples of dyes that can be used in combination include the following.

  As yellow dyes, for example, phenols, naphthols, anilines, pyrazolones, pyridones, aryl or heteryl azo dyes having open-chain active methylene compounds as coupling components; for example, open-chain active methylene compounds as coupling components Azomethine dyes; methine dyes such as benzylidene dyes and monomethine oxonol dyes; quinone dyes such as naphthoquinone dyes and anthraquinone dyes, and other dye species such as quinophthalone dyes, nitro-nitroso dyes And dyes, acridine dyes, acridinone dyes and the like. These dyes may be those that exhibit yellow only after a part of the chromophore is dissociated, in which case the counter cation may be an alkali metal or an inorganic cation such as ammonium, pyridinium, It may be an organic cation such as a quaternary ammonium salt, and may further be a polymer cation having them in a partial structure.

  Examples of magenta dyes include, for example, aryl or heteryl azo dyes having phenols, naphthols, and anilines as coupling components; azomethine dyes having pyrazolones and pyrazolotriazoles as coupling components; for example, arylidene dyes, styryl dyes, and merocyanine Dyes, methine dyes such as oxonol dyes; carbonium dyes such as diphenylmethane dyes, triphenylmethane dyes, xanthene dyes, quinone dyes such as naphthoquinone, anthraquinone, anthrapyridone, etc. Examples thereof include ring dyes. These dyes may exhibit magenta only after part of the chromophore is dissociated, and the counter cation in that case may be an alkali metal or an inorganic cation such as ammonium, pyridinium, It may be an organic cation such as a quaternary ammonium salt, and may further be a polymer cation having them in a partial structure.

Examples of cyan dyes include azomethine dyes such as indoaniline dyes and indophenol dyes; polymethine dyes such as cyanine dyes, oxonol dyes and merocyanine dyes; carbonium dyes such as diphenylmethane dyes, triphenylmethane dyes and xanthene dyes; phthalocyanine Dyes; anthraquinone dyes; for example, aryl or heteryl azo dyes having phenols, naphthols and anilines as coupling components, and indigo / thioindigo dyes. These dyes may exhibit cyan only after a part of the chromophore is dissociated, and the counter cation in that case may be an alkali metal or an inorganic cation such as ammonium, pyridinium, It may be an organic cation such as a quaternary ammonium salt, and may further be a polymer cation having them in a partial structure.
Also, black dyes such as polyazo dyes can be used.

Examples of water-soluble dyes include direct dyes, acid dyes, food dyes, basic dyes, and reactive dyes. As a preferable thing,
C. I. Direct Red 2, 4, 9, 23, 26, 31, 39, 62, 63, 72, 75, 76, 79, 80, 81, 83, 84, 89, 92, 95, 111, 173, 184, 207, 211, 212, 214, 218, 21, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 232, 233, 240, 241, 242, 243, 247
C. I. Direct violet 7, 9, 47, 48, 51, 66, 90, 93, 94, 95, 98, 100, 101
C. I. Direct yellow 8, 9, 11, 12, 27, 28, 29, 33, 35, 39, 41, 44, 50, 53, 58, 59, 68, 86, 87, 93, 95, 96, 98, 100, 106, 108, 109, 110, 130, 132, 142, 144, 161, 163
C. I. Direct Blue 1, 10, 15, 22, 25, 55, 67, 68, 71, 76, 77, 78, 80, 84, 86, 87, 90, 98, 106, 108, 109, 151, 156, 158, 159, 160, 168, 189, 192, 193, 194, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 207, 211, 213, 214, 218, 225, 229, 236, 237, 244, 248, 249, 251, 252, 264, 270, 280, 288, 289, 291
C. I. Direct Black 9, 17, 19, 22, 32, 51, 56, 62, 69, 77, 80, 91, 94, 97, 108, 112, 113, 114, 117, 118, 121, 122, 125, 132, 146, 154, 166, 168, 173, 199
C. I. Acid Red 35, 42, 52, 57, 62, 80, 82, 111, 114, 118, 119, 127, 128, 131, 143, 151, 154, 158, 249, 254, 257, 261, 263, 266, 289, 299, 301, 305, 336, 337, 361, 396, 397
C. I. Acid Violet 5, 34, 43, 47, 48, 90, 103, 126
C. I. Acid Yellow 17, 19, 23, 25, 39, 40, 42, 44, 49, 50, 61, 64, 76, 79, 110, 127, 135, 143, 151, 159, 169, 174, 190, 195, 196, 197, 199, 218, 219, 222, 227
C. I. Acid Blue 9, 25, 40, 41, 62, 72, 76, 78, 80, 82, 92, 106, 112, 113, 120, 127: 1, 129, 138, 143, 175, 181, 205, 207, 220, 221, 230, 232, 247, 258, 260, 264, 271, 277, 278, 279, 280, 288, 290, 326
C. I. Acid Black 7, 24, 29, 48, 52: 1, 172
C. I. Reactive Red 3, 13, 17, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 29, 35, 37, 40, 41, 43, 45, 49, 55
C. I. Reactive violet 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 33, 34
C. I. Reactive Yellow 2, 3, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 35, 37, 41, 42
C. I. Reactive Blue 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 38
C. I. Reactive Black 4, 5, 8, 14, 21, 23, 26, 31, 32, 34
C. I. Basic Red 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 29, 35, 36, 38, 39, 45, 46
C. I. Basic violet 1, 2, 3, 7, 10, 15, 16, 20, 21, 25, 27, 28, 35, 37, 39, 40, 48
C. I. Basic yellow 1, 2, 4, 11, 13, 14, 15, 19, 21, 23, 24, 25, 28, 29, 32, 36, 39, 40
C. I. Basic Blue 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 22, 26, 41, 45, 46, 47, 54, 57, 60, 62, 65, 66, 69, 71
C. I. Basic Black 8,
Etc.

Furthermore, pigments may be used in combination with the ink of the present invention.
As the pigment used in the present technology, commercially available pigments and known pigments described in various documents can be used. For the literature, Color Index (Edited by The Society of Dyers and Colorists), “Revised New Handbook of Pigments” edited by the Japan Pigment Technology Association (published in 1989), “Latest Pigment Applied Technology” published by CMC (published in 1986), “Printing Ink Technology” Publishing (1984), W. Herbst, K.M. Hunger co-authored, Industrial Organic Pigments (VCH Verlagsgesellschaft, published in 1993). Specifically, as organic pigments, azo pigments (azo lake pigments, insoluble azo pigments, condensed azo pigments, chelate azo pigments), polycyclic pigments (phthalocyanine pigments, anthraquinone pigments, perylene and perinone pigments, indigo pigments, quinacridone Pigments, dioxazine pigments, isoindolinone pigments, quinophthalone pigments, diketopyrrolopyrrole pigments), dyed lake pigments (acid or basic dye lake pigments), azine pigments, etc. C.I. of yellow pigment I. Pigment Yellow 34, 37, 42, 53, and other red pigments such as C.I. I. Pigment Red 101, 108, C.I. I. Pigment Blue 27, 29, 17: 1, etc. I. Pigment Black 7, magnetite, and other white pigments such as C.I. I. Pigment White 4, 6, 18, 21 and the like.

  As a pigment having a preferable color tone for image formation, a phthalocyanine pigment, an anthraquinone-based indanthrone pigment (for example, CI Pigment Blue 60), and a dyed lake pigment-based triarylcarbonium pigment are preferable for a blue or cyan pigment. Phthalocyanine pigments (preferred examples include copper phthalocyanine such as CI Pigment Blue 15: 1, 15: 2, 15: 3, 15: 4, 15: 6, monochloro or low chlorinated copper) Among the phthalocyanines and alnium phthalocyanines, the pigments described in European Patent No. 860475, the metal-free phthalocyanine which is CI Pigment Blue 16, the phthalocyanines whose central metals are Zn, Ni and Ti, among them, CI pigment is preferable. Bl e 15: 3, 15: 4 and aluminum phthalocyanine) are most preferred.

For red to purple pigments, azo pigments (preferred examples include CI Pigment Red 3, 5, 11, 22, 38, 48: 1, 48: 2, 48: 3, 48: 4, 49: 1, 52: 1, 53: 1, 57: 1, 63: 2, 144, 146, and 184). I. Pigment Red 57: 1, 146, 184), quinacridone pigments (preferred examples include CI Pigment Red 122, 192, 202, 207, 209, CI Pigment Violet 19, 42, particularly preferred are CI Pigment Red 122), dyed lake pigment-based triarylcarbonium pigments (preferred examples include xanthene-based CI Pigment Red 81: 1, CI Pigment Violet). 1, 2, 3, 27, 39), dioxazine pigments (for example, CI Pigment Violet 23, 37), diketopyrrolopyrrole pigments (for example, CI Pigment Red 254), perylene Pigments (e.g. CI Pigment) Iolet 29), anthraquinone pigments (e.g., C.I. Pigment Violet 5: 1, the 31, the 33), thioindigo (e.g. C.I. Pigment Red 38, the 88) is preferably used.

  Examples of yellow pigments include azo pigments (preferred examples include monoazo pigment-based CI Pigment Yellow 1, 3, 74, 98, disazo pigment-based CI Pigment Yellow 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 83. Among them, preferred are benzidine type, such as CI Pigment Yellow 93, 94, 95, 128, 155 of synthetic azo type, CI Pigment Yellow 120, 151, 154, 156, 180 of benzimidazolone type. Compounds in which no compound is used as a raw material), isoindoline / isoindolinone pigments (preferred examples include CI Pigment Yellow 109, 110, 137, 139), quinophthalone pigments (preferred examples include CI Pigment). Yellow 13 8), and Frapantron pigments (for example, CI Pigment Yellow 24) are preferably used.

Preferred examples of the black pigment include inorganic pigments (preferably carbon black and magnetite as examples) and aniline black.
In addition, an orange pigment (such as CI Pigment Orange 13, 16) or a green pigment (such as CI Pigment Green 7) may be used.

The pigment that can be used in the present technology may be the aforementioned bare pigment or a surface-treated pigment. Surface treatment methods include resin or wax surface coating, surfactant deposition, reactive substances (eg radicals derived from silane coupling agents, epoxy compounds, polyisocyanates, diazonium salts, etc.) pigments A method of bonding to the surface is conceivable and is described in the following documents and patents.
(1) Properties and applications of metal soap (Sachishobo)
(2) Printing ink printing (CMC Publishing 1984)
(3) Latest pigment application technology (CMC Publishing 1986)
(4) U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,554,739 and 5,571,311 (5) JP-A Nos. 9-151342, 10-140065, 10-292143, and 11-166145 Self-dispersing pigments prepared by allowing a diazonium salt described in US Patent 4) to act on carbon black and encapsulated pigments prepared by the method described in Japanese Patent (5) above are used in inks. In particular, the dispersion stability can be obtained without using an extra dispersant.

In the present invention, the pigment may be further dispersed using a dispersant. Various known dispersants can be used in accordance with the pigment to be used, for example, a surfactant-type low-molecular dispersant or a polymer-type dispersant. Examples of the dispersant include those described in JP-A-3-69949, European Patent 549486 and the like. In addition, when a dispersant is used, a pigment derivative called a synergist may be added to promote adsorption of the dispersant to the pigment.
The particle size of the pigment that can be used in the present technology is preferably in the range of 0.01 to 10 μm after dispersion, and more preferably 0.05 to 1 μm.
As a method for dispersing the pigment, a known dispersion technique used in ink production or toner production can be used. Examples of the dispersing machine include vertical or horizontal agitator mills, attritors, colloid mills, ball mills, three roll mills, pearl mills, super mills, impellers, dispersers, KD mills, dynatrons, and pressure kneaders. Details are described in "Latest Pigment Application Technology" (CMC Publishing, 1986).

〔Preservative〕
Next, the preservative will be described.
In the present invention, the preservative means a substance having a function of preventing the generation and growth of microorganisms, particularly bacteria and fungi.
Various preservatives that can be used in the present invention can be used.

  First, inorganic preservatives (such as silver ion-containing materials) and salts containing heavy metal ions can be mentioned. Organic preservatives include quaternary ammonium salts (tetrabutylammonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, benzyltrimethylammonium chloride, etc.), phenol derivatives (phenol, cresol, butylphenol, xylenol, bisphenol, etc.), phenoxyether derivatives (phenoxyethanol) Etc.), heterocyclic compounds (benzotriazole, proxel (PROXEL), 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, etc.), alkanediols (pentylene glycol (1,2-pentanediol), isopentyldiol (3- Methyl-1,3-butanediol), hexanediol (1,2-hexanediol, etc.), caprylyl glycol (1,2-octanediol, etc.), acid amides, carbamic acid, cal Mates, amidines / guanidines, pyridines (sodium pyridinethione-1-oxide, etc.), diazines, triazines, pyrrole / imidazoles, oxazoles / oxazines, thiazoles / thiadiazines, thioureas, thiosemicarbazides, Dithiocarbamates, sulfides, sulfoxides, sulfones, sulfamides, antibiotics (penicillin, tetracycline, etc.), sodium dehydroacetate, sodium benzoate, p-hydroxybenzoic acid ethyl ester, and salts thereof It can be used. As the preservative, at least one preservative selected from the group consisting of heterocyclic compounds, phenol derivatives, phenoxy ether derivatives, and alkanediols is preferably used. In addition, as the antiseptic, those described in the antibacterial and microscopic handbook (Technical Hall: 1986), the antibacterial and antifungal encyclopedia (edited by the Japanese Society for Antibacterial and Antifungal Society), etc. can be used.

Various compounds such as those having an oil-soluble structure and a water-soluble structure can be used, but a water-soluble compound is preferable.
The ink composition of the present invention may contain two or more kinds of preservatives. In the present invention, when two or more of these preservatives are used in combination, the storage stability of the ink and the recorded image, particularly the hue stability, is improved, and the ejection stability of the ink over a long period of time is remarkably improved. For example, the effects of the present invention can be further improved. This is considered to be due to the fact that the bacteria are brought into contact with two or more kinds of preservatives, thereby suppressing the acquisition of the resistance of the bacteria to the individual preservatives.
When two or more kinds of preservatives are combined, the preservatives preferably have skeletons having different chemical structures. Further, when two or more kinds of preservatives are contained, at least one preservative is preferably a heterocyclic compound, a phenol derivative, a phenoxy ether derivative, or an alkanediol, Preferably there is. For example, the combination of a heterocyclic compound and a phenoxy ether derivative, the combination of a heterocyclic compound and a phenol derivative, the combination of a heterocyclic compound and alkanediols, etc. are mentioned preferably.

Furthermore, the heterocyclic compound is preferably a thiazole compound or a benzotriazole compound.
Thiazole compounds particularly function as antifungal agents among preservatives. Examples of thiazole compounds include benzisothiazoline, isothiazoline, 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, 2- (thiocyanomethylthio) benzthiazole, 2- Examples include mercaptobenzthiazole and 3-allyloxy-1,2-benzisothiazole-1,1-oxide. Moreover, Proxel (trademark) series (BDN, BD20, GXL, LV, XL2, Ultra10, etc.) manufactured and sold by Arch Chemicals Co., Ltd. can also be used as a thiazole antifungal agent.

  The benzotriazole-based compound functions particularly as a rust preventive among antiseptics, and for example, a metal material (particularly, 42 alloy (a nickel-iron alloy containing 42% nickel)) constituting an ink jet head is used as an ink. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of rust caused by the contact of Examples of the benzotriazole compounds include 1H-benzotriazole, 4-methyl-1H-benzotriazole, 5-methyl-1H-benzotriazole, and sodium salts or potassium salts thereof.

  The content ratio when combining two or more kinds of preservatives is not particularly limited, but the content of each preservative is preferably 1% by mass or more of the total content of the preservatives. The content is more preferably at least 20% by mass, and still more preferably at least 20% by mass. Moreover, it is preferable that each content of each preservative is 99 mass% or less of the total content of preservatives, it is more preferable that it is 90 mass% or less, and it is still more preferable that it is 80 mass% or less. By setting this value, the effects of the respective preservatives can be efficiently obtained, and a synergistic effect between the preservatives can be easily obtained. In addition, while maintaining the effect of the preservative, it is possible to reduce the possibility that a person who touches the ink, particularly a person sensitive to the preservative, will cause a rash.

The amount of the preservative added to the ink composition (when two or more preservatives are added, the total content thereof) can be used in a wide range, but is preferably 0.001 to 10% by mass, more preferably Is 0.005 to 2.0 mass%, more preferably 0.01 to 0.5 mass%. By setting it to this value, the effect of the preservative can be obtained more efficiently, and the risk of occurrence of precipitates can be suppressed.
The ink for inkjet recording of the present invention can be prepared by diluting the ink composition as a stock solution with water or the like, for example, 2 to 5 times. Moreover, you may add an antiseptic | preservative at the time of dilution with water etc. The amount of the preservative added to the ink for inkjet recording is the same as the amount added in the ink composition.
In the ink composition or ink jet recording ink of the present invention, the ratio of the content of the preservative to the content of the dye represented by the general formula (1) (preservative / dye represented by the general formula (1)) is: The mass ratio is preferably 0.00001 to 5, more preferably 0.00002 to 0.5, and still more preferably 0.0001 to 0.05.

[Surfactant]
Next, the surfactant that can be contained in the ink composition of the present invention (preferably ink for inkjet recording) will be described.
Examples of the surfactant used in the present invention include anionic surfactants such as fatty acid salts, higher alcohol ester salts, alkylbenzene sulfonate salts, sulfosuccinic acid ester salts, higher alcohol phosphoric acid ester salts, aliphatic amine salts, 4 Nonionic surfactants such as cationic surfactants such as quaternary ammonium salts, ethylene oxide adducts of higher alcohols, ethylene oxide adducts of alkylphenols, polyhydric alcohol fatty acid esters, acetylene glycol and its ethylene oxide adducts And amphoteric surfactants such as amino acid type and betaine type, fluorine-based compounds, and silicon-based compounds. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

By adding a surfactant to the ink composition of the present invention and adjusting the liquid physical properties of the ink such as surface tension, the ink ejection stability is improved, the water resistance of the image is improved, and the printed ink bleeds. It is possible to have an excellent effect in prevention and the like. Further, two or more kinds of the above surfactants may be used in combination.
The ink composition used in the present invention preferably contains 0.005 to 5% by mass of a surfactant, more preferably 0.005 to 3% by mass. When the content of the surfactant in the ink composition is in the range of 0.005 to 5% by mass, the discharge stability does not deteriorate, the occurrence of bleeding at the time of color mixing, the deterioration of print quality such as the generation of whiskers does not occur, At the time of ejection, it is possible to suppress printing defects due to adhesion of ink to the periphery of the nozzle.

  The ink composition of the present invention is prepared by dissolving the dye in an aqueous medium, adding a specific amount of a surfactant as necessary, and further dissolving and / or dispersing other additives as necessary. can do. The “aqueous medium” in the present invention means a mixture of water or a mixture of water and a small amount of a water-miscible organic solvent with additives such as wetting agents and stabilizers added as necessary.

When preparing the ink liquid of the present invention, in the case of water-soluble ink, it is preferable to first dissolve in water. Thereafter, various solvents and additives are added, dissolved and mixed to obtain a uniform ink solution.
As the dissolution method at this time, various methods such as dissolution by stirring, dissolution by ultrasonic irradiation, and dissolution by shaking can be used. Of these, the stirring method is particularly preferably used. In the case of stirring, various methods such as fluidized stirring known in the art and stirring using shearing force using an inverted agitator or dissolver can be used. On the other hand, a stirring method using a shearing force with the bottom surface of the container, such as a magnetic stirrer, can also be preferably used.

  Regarding methods for preparing water-based inkjet inks, JP-A-5-148436, JP-A-5-295212, JP-A-7-97541, JP-A-7-82515, JP-A-7-118858, JP-A-2002-020657, Details are described in each publication of Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 2002-060663, and can also be used to prepare the ink for inkjet recording of the present invention.

The ink of the present invention contains at least one dye represented by the general formula (1) in an aqueous medium, and further contains at least one preservative. The aqueous medium may contain a water-miscible organic solvent, and the water-miscible organic solvent contained in the aqueous medium has a solubility at 25 ° C. of the dye used of 10 (g / 100 g solvent) or less. Is preferred. Here, the solubility means the mass of a solute that can be dissolved at a certain temperature in 100 g of the solvent, and the unit is “g / 100 g solvent _” .
The solubility of the dye of the present invention varies somewhat depending on its structure. For the ink of the present invention, a water-miscible organic solvent having a solubility of 10 (g / 100 g solvent) or less is appropriately selected depending on the dye type. It is preferable.
The solubility of the dye of the present invention at 25 ° C. is more preferably 8 (g / 100 g solvent) or less, and still more preferably 5 (g / 100 g solvent) or less.
Moreover, it is preferable that this water-miscible organic solvent is a mixture which consists of 2 or more types in which at least 1 type contains alcohol and / or its derivative (s). The addition amount of the water-miscible organic solvent is preferably 1 to 60% by mass, more preferably 5 to 50% by mass. By setting this value, the ink stability, ejection stability, and drying property tend to be good.

Examples of the water-miscible organic solvent include the following. A water-miscible organic solvent suitable for the present invention can be selected from the following.
Alcohol (eg, methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, isobutanol, sec-butanol, t-butanol, pentanol, hexanol, cyclohexanol, benzyl alcohol), polyhydric alcohols (eg, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, thiol) Diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, 2-butene-1,4-diol, 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1, 2-hexanediol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, butylene glycol, hexanediol, pentanediol, glycerin, hexanetri Thiodiglycol), glycol derivatives (eg, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, propylene glycol) Monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monobutyl ether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoisopropyl ether, triethylene glycol monoisobutyl ether, ethylene glycol monoisobutyl ether, di Chi glycol monoisobutyl ether, propylene glycol monopropyl ether,

Ethylene glycol diacetate, ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, triethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monophenyl ether), amines (eg, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, N-methyldiethanolamine, N -Ethyldiethanolamine, morpholine, N-ethylmorpholine, ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, polyethyleneimine, tetramethylpropylenediamine) and other polar solvents (eg, formamide, N, N-dimethylformamide, N, N-dimethylacetamide) , Dimethyl sulfoxide, sulfolane, 2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, - vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, 2-oxazolidone, ethylene urea (2-imidazolidinone), 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone, acetonitrile, acetone, diacetone alcohol). In addition, the said water miscible organic solvent may use 2 or more types together.

When the other dye used in combination with the present invention is an oil-soluble dye, it can be prepared by dissolving the oil-soluble dye in a high boiling point organic solvent and emulsifying and dispersing it in an aqueous medium.
The high-boiling organic solvent used has a boiling point of 150 ° C. or higher, preferably 170 ° C. or higher. The high-boiling organic solvent can be used in an amount of 0.01 to 3 times, preferably 0.01 to 1.0 times the mass ratio of the oil-soluble dye.
These high boiling point organic solvents may be used alone or in a mixture of several kinds.

  In the present invention, the oil-soluble dye and the high boiling point organic solvent are emulsified and dispersed in an aqueous medium. In the emulsification dispersion, a low boiling organic solvent can be used depending on the case from the viewpoint of emulsification. The low boiling point organic solvent is an organic solvent having a boiling point of about 30 ° C. or higher and 150 ° C. or lower at normal pressure.

  The emulsification dispersion is used to disperse an oil phase in which a dye is dissolved in a mixed solvent of a high-boiling organic solvent and, optionally, a low-boiling organic solvent, in an aqueous phase mainly composed of water to form fine oil droplets in the oil phase. Done. Under the present circumstances, additives, such as surfactant, a wetting agent, a dye stabilizer, an emulsion stabilizer, etc. which were mentioned above can be added to either or both of a water phase and an oil phase as needed. As an emulsification method, a method of adding an oil phase to an aqueous phase is common, but a so-called phase inversion emulsification method in which an aqueous phase is dropped into an oil phase can also be preferably used.

  In the present invention, in addition to the above compounds, when used as an inkjet recording ink, a drying inhibitor for preventing clogging due to drying at the ink jetting port, a penetration accelerator for penetrating the ink with paper, Appropriately select and use appropriate amounts of additives such as ultraviolet absorbers, antioxidants, viscosity modifiers, surface tension modifiers, dispersants, dispersion stabilizers, rust inhibitors, pH adjusters, antifoaming agents, chelating agents, etc. be able to.

The drying inhibitor used in the present invention is preferably a water-soluble organic solvent having a vapor pressure lower than that of water.
Specific examples include ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, thiodiglycol, dithiodiglycol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, acetylene glycol derivatives, glycerin. Polyhydric alcohols typified by trimethylolpropane, etc., lower alkyl ethers of polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol monomethyl (or ethyl) ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl (or ethyl) ether, triethylene glycol monoethyl (or butyl) ether 2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone, heterocyclic rings such as N-ethylmorpholine, sulfolane, dimethyl sulfoxide, 3 Sulfur-containing compounds such as sulfolane, diacetone alcohol, polyfunctional compounds such as diethanolamine, and urea derivatives. Of these, polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin and diethylene glycol are more preferred. Moreover, said anti-drying agent may be used independently and may be used together 2 or more types. These drying inhibitors are preferably contained in the ink in an amount of 10 to 50% by mass.

  Examples of penetration enhancers used in the present invention include alcohols such as ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, triethylene glycol monobutyl ether, and 1,2-hexanediol, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium oleate, and nonionic surface activity. An agent or the like can also be used. If these are contained in the ink in an amount of 10 to 30% by mass, the effect is sufficient, and it is preferable to use them in a range of addition amounts that do not cause printing bleeding and paper loss (print through).

  Examples of the ultraviolet absorber used for improving the storability of the image in the present invention include JP-A Nos. 58-185677, 61-190537, JP-A-2-782, and JP-A-5-97075. Benzotriazole compounds described in JP-A-9-34057, etc., benzophenone compounds described in JP-A No. 46-2784, JP-A-5-194443, US Pat. No. 3,214,463, etc. -30492, 56-211141, cinnamic acid compounds described in JP-A-10-88106, JP-A-4-298503, 8-53427, 8-239368 Triazine compounds described in JP-A-10-182621, JP-A-8-501291, etc., Research Disclosure Over No. A compound described in No. 24239, a compound that emits fluorescence by absorbing ultraviolet rays typified by a stilbene series or a benzoxazole series, a so-called fluorescent whitening agent can also be used.

  As the antioxidant used for improving the storability of the image in the present invention, various organic and metal complex anti-fading agents can be used. Organic anti-fading agents include hydroquinones, alkoxyphenols, dialkoxyphenols, phenols, anilines, amines, indanes, chromans, alkoxyanilines, heterocycles, etc. Complex, zinc complex and the like. More specifically, Research Disclosure No. No. 17643, No. VII, I to J, ibid. 15162, ibid. No. 18716, page 650, left column, ibid. No. 36544, page 527, ibid. No. 307105, page 872, ibid. The compounds described in the patent cited in No. 15162 and the compounds included in the general formulas and compound examples of the representative compounds described in pages 127 to 137 of JP-A-62-215272 can be used.

  Examples of the rust inhibitor used in the present invention include acidic zinc sulfate, sodium thiosulfate, ammonium thioglycolate, diisopropylammonium nitrite, pentaerythritol nitrate, dicyclohexylammonium nitrite and the like. These are preferably used in an amount of 0.02 to 5.00% by mass in the ink.

The pH adjuster used in the present invention can be suitably used in terms of pH adjustment, imparting dispersion stability, etc., and the pH of the ink at 25 ° C. is adjusted to 8-11. When the pH is less than 8, the solubility of the dye is lowered and the nozzle is easily clogged, and when it exceeds 11, the water resistance is deteriorated. As a pH adjuster, an organic base, an inorganic alkali, etc. are mentioned as a basic thing, An organic acid, an inorganic acid, etc. are mentioned as an acidic thing.
Examples of the organic base include triethanolamine, diethanolamine, N-methyldiethanolamine, and dimethylethanolamine. Examples of the inorganic alkali include alkali metal hydroxides (for example, sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, and potassium hydroxide), carbonates (for example, sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, and the like), ammonium, and the like. Examples of the organic acid include acetic acid, propionic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, and alkylsulfonic acid. Examples of the inorganic acid include hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and phosphoric acid.

  The surface tension of the ink used in the present invention is preferably 20 to 50 mN / m or less at 25 ° C., more preferably 20 to 40 mN / m or less. By setting this value, the ejection stability and the printing quality tend to be good, and it becomes easy to prevent printing defects due to the adhesion of ink to the peripheral portion of the nozzle during ejection.

  The viscosity of the ink used in the present invention is preferably 30 mPa · s or less. Furthermore, since it is more preferable to adjust to 20 mPa * s or less, a viscosity modifier may be used in order to adjust a viscosity. Examples of the viscosity modifier include water-soluble polymers such as celluloses and polyvinyl alcohol, and nonionic surfactants. More specifically, “Viscosity Adjustment Technology” (Technical Information Association, 1999), Chapter 9, and “Chemicals for Inkjet Printers (98 Supplement) —Material Development Trends and Prospects Survey” (CMC, 1997) 162- Page 174.

Furthermore, in the present invention, a polymer fine particle dispersion may be used. Details thereof are described in JP-A No. 2002-264490.
In the present invention, the above-mentioned cation, anion, and nonionic surfactants are used as a dispersant and a dispersion stabilizer, and fluorine-based, silicone-based compounds, chelating agents represented by EDTA, and the like are used as necessary. be able to.

  The ink of the present invention is a known recording material, i.e., plain paper, resin-coated paper, such as JP-A-8-169172, JP-A-8-27693, JP-A-2-276670, JP-A-7-276789, JP-A-9-323475, JP-A-62-238783, JP-A-10-153898, JP-A-10-217473, JP-A-10-235995, JP-A-10-337947, and JP-A-10-217597. 10-337947, etc., can be used to form an image on ink jet paper, film, electrophotographic co-paper, fabric, glass, metal, ceramics and the like.

The recording paper and recording film used for inkjet printing using the ink of the present invention will be described below. The support for recording paper and recording film consists of chemical pulp such as LBKP and NBKP, mechanical pulp such as GP, PGW, RMP, TMP, CTMP, CMP, CGP, and waste paper pulp such as DIP. Additives such as known pigments, binders, sizing agents, fixing agents, cationic agents, paper strength enhancers, etc. can be mixed, and those manufactured by various devices such as long net paper machines and circular net paper machines can be used. It is. In addition to these supports, either synthetic paper or plastic film sheet may be used, and the thickness of the support is preferably 10 to 250 μm and the basis weight is preferably 10 to 250 g / m ² . The support may be provided with an ink receiving layer and a backcoat layer as they are, or after a size press or anchor coat layer is provided with starch, polyvinyl alcohol or the like, an ink receiving layer and a backcoat layer may be provided. Further, the support may be flattened by a calendar device such as a machine calendar, a TG calendar, or a soft calendar. In the present invention, as the support, paper and plastic film laminated on both sides with polyolefin (eg, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutene and copolymers thereof) are more preferably used. It is preferable to add a white pigment (eg, titanium oxide, zinc oxide) or a coloring dye (eg, cobalt blue, ultramarine blue, neodymium oxide) to the polyolefin.

  The ink receiving layer provided on the support contains a pigment and an aqueous binder. As the pigment, a white pigment is good, and as the white pigment, calcium carbonate, kaolin, talc, clay, diatomaceous earth, synthetic amorphous silica, aluminum silicate, magnesium silicate, calcium silicate, aluminum hydroxide, alumina, lithopone, zeolite, Examples thereof include inorganic white pigments such as barium sulfate, calcium sulfate, titanium dioxide, zinc sulfide, and zinc carbonate, and organic pigments such as styrene pigments, acrylic pigments, urea resins, and melamine resins. The white pigment contained in the ink receiving layer is preferably a porous inorganic pigment, and synthetic amorphous silica having a large pore area is particularly suitable. As the synthetic amorphous silica, either anhydrous silicic acid obtained by a dry production method (gas phase method) or hydrous silicic acid obtained by a wet production method can be used, but it is particularly desirable to use hydrous silicic acid. Two or more of these pigments may be used in combination.

  Specific examples of the recording paper containing the pigment in the image receiving layer include JP-A Nos. 10-81064, 10-119423, 10-157277, 10-217601, and 10-348409. No. 2001-138621, 2000-43401, 2000-2111235, 2000-309157, 2001-96897, 2001-138627, JP-A-11-91242, 8-2087, Those disclosed in Nos. 8-2090, 8-2091, 8-2093, 8-174992, 11-192777, and JP-A-2001-301314 can be used.

Examples of the aqueous binder contained in the ink receiving layer include polyvinyl alcohol, silanol-modified polyvinyl alcohol, starch, cationized starch, casein, gelatin, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyalkylene oxide, and polyalkylene oxide derivatives. Water-dispersible polymers such as water-soluble polymers, styrene butadiene latexes, and acrylic emulsions. These aqueous binders can be used alone or in combination of two or more. In the present invention, among these, polyvinyl alcohol and silanol-modified polyvinyl alcohol are particularly preferable in terms of adhesion to the pigment and resistance to peeling of the ink receiving layer.
The ink receiving layer can contain a mordant, a water resistance agent, a light resistance improver, an ozone resistance improver, a surfactant, and other additives in addition to the pigment and the aqueous binder.

The mordant added to the ink receiving layer is preferably immobilized. For that purpose, a polymer mordant is preferably used.
For the polymer mordant, JP-A-48-28325, 54-74430, 54-124726, 55-22766, 55-142339, 60-23850, 60-23835, 60-23852, 60-23853, 60-57836, 60-60643, 60-118834, 60-122940, 60-122941, 60-122942, 60- No. 235134, JP-A-1-161236, U.S. Pat.Nos. 2,484,430, 2,548,564, 3,148,061, 3,309,690, 4,115,124, 4,124,386, 4,193,800, 4,2,387,305, It is described in each specification of the same No. 4450224. An image receiving material containing a polymer mordant described in JP-A-1-161236, pages 212 to 215 is particularly preferred. When the polymer mordant described in the publication is used, an image with excellent image quality is obtained and the light resistance of the image is improved.

  The water-proofing agent is effective for making the image water-resistant. As these water-proofing agents, cationic resins are particularly desirable. Examples of such a cationic resin include polyamide polyamine epichlorohydrin, polyethyleneimine, polyamine sulfone, dimethyldiallylammonium chloride polymer, and cationic polyacrylamide. The content of these cationic resins is preferably 1 to 15% by mass, particularly 3 to 10% by mass, based on the total solid content of the ink receiving layer.

Examples of the light resistance improver and gas resistance improver include phenol compounds, hindered phenol compounds, thioether compounds, thiourea compounds, thiocyanate compounds, amine compounds, hindered amine compounds, TEMPO compounds, hydrazine compounds, hydrazide compounds, amidine compounds, Vinyl group-containing compounds, ester compounds, amide compounds, ether compounds, alcohol compounds, sulfinic acid compounds, saccharides, water-soluble reducing compounds, organic acids, inorganic acids, hydroxy group-containing organic acids, benzotriazole compounds, benzophenone compounds, triazine compounds , Heterocyclic compounds, water-soluble metal salts, organometallic compounds, metal complexes, and the like.
Specific examples of these compounds include JP-A-10-182621, JP-A-2001-260519, JP-A-2000-260519, JP-B-4-34953, JP-B-4-34513, and JP-B-4-34512. , JP-A-11-170686, JP-A-60-67190, JP-A-7-276808, JP-A-2000-94829, JP-T 8-512258, JP-A-11-321090, etc. Is mentioned.

The surfactant functions as a coating aid, a peelability improver, a slippage improver or an antistatic agent. The surfactant is described in JP-A Nos. 62-173463 and 62-183457.
An organic fluoro compound may be used in place of the surfactant. The organic fluoro compound is preferably hydrophobic. Examples of the organic fluoro compound include a fluorine-based surfactant, an oily fluorine-based compound (eg, fluorine oil), and a solid fluorine compound resin (eg, tetrafluoroethylene resin). The organic fluoro compounds are described in JP-B-57-9053 (columns 8 to 17), JP-A-61-20994, and 62-135826.

  As the hardener, materials described in JP-A-1-161236, page 222, JP-A-9-263036, JP-A-10-119423, and JP-A-2001-310547 can be used.

  Examples of other additives added to the ink receiving layer include pigment dispersants, thickeners, antifoaming agents, dyes, fluorescent whitening agents, preservatives, pH adjusters, matting agents, and hardening agents. . The ink receiving layer may be one layer or two layers.

  The recording paper and the recording film may be provided with a backcoat layer, and examples of components that can be added to this layer include a white pigment, an aqueous binder, and other components. Examples of white pigments contained in the backcoat layer include light calcium carbonate, heavy calcium carbonate, kaolin, talc, calcium sulfate, barium sulfate, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, zinc sulfide, zinc carbonate, satin white, and aluminum silicate. White inorganic pigments such as diatomaceous earth, calcium silicate, magnesium silicate, synthetic amorphous silica, colloidal silica, colloidal alumina, pseudoboehmite, aluminum hydroxide, alumina, lithopone, zeolite, hydrous halloysite, magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, Examples thereof include organic pigments such as styrene plastic pigment, acrylic plastic pigment, polyethylene, microcapsule, urea resin, and melamine resin.

  As the aqueous binder contained in the backcoat layer, styrene / maleate copolymer, styrene / acrylate copolymer, polyvinyl alcohol, silanol modified polyvinyl alcohol, starch, cationized starch, casein, gelatin, carboxymethylcellulose Water-soluble polymers such as hydroxyethyl cellulose and polyvinyl pyrrolidone, and water-dispersible polymers such as styrene butadiene latex and acrylic emulsion. Examples of other components contained in the backcoat layer include an antifoaming agent, an antifoaming agent, a dye, a fluorescent brightening agent, a preservative, and a water-resistant agent.

  Polymer latex may be added to the constituent layers (including the back layer) of the inkjet recording paper and recording film. The polymer latex is used for the purpose of improving film physical properties such as dimensional stabilization, curling prevention, adhesion prevention, and film cracking prevention. The polymer latex is described in JP-A Nos. 62-245258, 62-1316648, and 62-110066. When a polymer latex having a low glass transition temperature (40 ° C. or lower) is added to a layer containing a mordant, cracking and curling of the layer can be prevented. Also, curling can be prevented by adding a polymer latex having a high glass transition temperature to the back layer.

The present invention also relates to an ink jet recording method using the ink for ink jet recording according to the present invention.
The ink of the present invention is not limited to the ink jet recording system, and is a known system such as a charge control system that ejects ink using electrostatic attraction, a drop-on-demand system (pressure pulse system) that uses the vibration pressure of a piezo element. ), An acoustic ink jet method that converts an electrical signal into an acoustic beam, irradiates the ink and uses ink to eject the ink, and a thermal ink jet method that heats the ink to form bubbles and uses the generated pressure. Used.
Inkjet recording methods use a method of ejecting a large number of low-density inks called photo inks in a small volume, a method of improving image quality using a plurality of inks having substantially the same hue and different concentrations, and colorless and transparent inks. The method is included.
A preferred combination of a recording material and a recording method is an inkjet recording in which an image receiving material having an image receiving layer containing white inorganic pigment particles on a support is ejected with ink droplets according to a recording signal, and an image is recorded on the image receiving material. Is the method.

  The ink for ink jet recording of the present invention can also be used for purposes other than ink jet recording. For example, it can be used for display image materials, image forming materials for interior decoration materials, and image forming materials for outdoor decoration materials.

  Display image materials include posters, wallpaper, small decorative items (such as figurines and dolls), commercial flyers, wrapping paper, wrapping materials, paper bags, plastic bags, packaging materials, signs, transportation (automobiles, buses, trains, etc.) ) Refers to various things such as images drawn and attached to the side, clothes with logos, and so on. When the dye of the present invention is used as a material for forming a display image, the image includes all patterns of dyes that can be recognized by humans, such as abstract designs, characters, and geometric patterns, in addition to images in a narrow sense.

  The interior decoration material refers to various items such as wallpaper, decorative accessories (such as figurines and dolls), lighting fixture members, furniture members, floor and ceiling design members. When the dye of the present invention is used as an image forming material, the image includes all patterns of dyes that can be recognized by humans such as abstract designs, characters, and geometric patterns in addition to images in a narrow sense.

The outdoor decoration material refers to various materials such as wall materials, roofing materials, signboards, gardening materials, outdoor decoration accessories (such as figurines and dolls), and members of outdoor lighting equipment. When the dye of the present invention is used as an image forming material, the image includes not only images in a narrow sense but also all patterns of dyes that can be recognized by humans, such as abstract designs, characters, and geometric patterns.

  In the above applications, examples of media on which a pattern is formed include various materials such as paper, fiber, cloth (including non-woven fabric), plastic, metal, and ceramics. As the dyeing form, the dye can be fixed in the form of mordanting, printing, or a reactive dye having a reactive group introduced. Among these, it is preferable that the mordanting is performed.

  EXAMPLES Hereinafter, although an Example demonstrates this invention concretely, it is not limited to this.

(Synthesis example)
Hereinafter, although the Example demonstrates the preparation method of the dye mixture of this invention in detail, this invention is not limited to these Examples at all.

  The dye BLACK-11 used in the present invention can be derived from, for example, the following synthesis route.

[Synthesis Example 1]
A synthesis scheme of BLACK-11 (M: Li / Na≈70 / 30 (mol / mol)) is shown below.

(1) Synthesis of intermediate (B-5):
After adding 8.5 g of aminoacetophenone (a-2), 4.9 g of malononitrile, 26.5 mL of toluene, 5.0 g of ammonium acetate and 5.9 g of acetic acid at room temperature, the internal temperature was raised to 100 ° C. at the same temperature. Stir for 3 hours. After cooling the reaction solution to 40 ° C., 31.8 mL of methanol was added, and after stirring for 20 minutes, the reaction solution was filtered. It was washed with 42.4 mL of isopropyl alcohol and dried at 60 ° C. for 8 hours. (B-5) 11.1 g was obtained.

(2) Synthesis of intermediate (C-5):
(B-5) 8.0 g, sulfur 2.8 g, sodium bicarbonate 7.4 g, dimethylacetamide 160 mL, acetonitrile 80 mL and water 80 mL were mixed at room temperature, then the temperature was raised to an internal temperature of 40 ° C., and the same temperature for 1 hour. Stir. After cooling the reaction solution to 25 ° C., insoluble matters were filtered off to obtain (C-5) in a solution state.

(3) Synthesis of intermediate (T-1):
100 mL of acetone was cooled to an internal temperature of 0 ° C., and 18.4 g of cyanuric chloride was added. Next, 27.5 g of 2,5-disulfoaniline and 10.6 g of sodium carbonate were dissolved in 95 g of water and added dropwise at an internal temperature of 0 to 4 ° C. over 30 minutes. After stirring for 2.5 hours at an internal temperature of 0 to 5 ° C., 200 mL of methanol and 200 mL of isopropyl alcohol were added dropwise at an internal temperature of 5 ° C. or less, and the precipitated insoluble matter was filtered and then obtained in the solution state of (T-1). .

(4) Synthesis of intermediate (T-2):
While maintaining (T-1) obtained in (3) above at an internal temperature of 20 ° C., 240.0 g of (C-5) was added dropwise. After dropping, the internal temperature was raised to 30 ° C. and stirred for 2.0 hours. After dropping 2.3 L of isopropyl alcohol at an internal temperature of 30 to 35 ° C. over 1 hour, the mixture was stirred at the same temperature for 30 minutes. The reaction solution was filtered, washed with isopropyl alcohol, and dried to obtain 24.0 g of (T-2).

(5) Synthesis of intermediate (T-3):
8.0 g of taurine and 6.8 g of sodium carbonate were completely dissolved in 650 mL of water at room temperature, and 24.0 g of (T-2) was added in powder form to the solution. The internal temperature was raised to 100 ° C. and stirred at the same temperature for 1.5 hours. The reaction solution was cooled to an internal temperature of 25 ° C. to obtain an intermediate (T-3) in a solution state.

(6) Synthesis of intermediate (f-6):
To 4.4 g of 2-aminobenzonitrile (e-1), 58 mL of water was added and stirred at room temperature. After adding 10.5 mL of 12M aqueous hydrochloric acid dropwise, the reaction mixture was cooled to an internal temperature of 0 ° C. While maintaining the internal temperature at 0 to 4 ° C, a 25% aqueous solution of 2.8 g of sodium nitrite was added dropwise, and the mixture was stirred at an internal temperature of 0 to 5 ° C for 1.5 hours. Thereafter, 0.4 g of urea was added and stirred for 15 minutes to obtain a diazonium salt solution. Separately from the diazonium salt solution, 300 mL of water was added to the intermediate (T-3) and cooled to an internal temperature of 2 ° C., and then the diazonium salt solution prepared earlier was added dropwise at an internal temperature of 2 to 4 ° C. over 15 minutes. After stirring for 2 hours while maintaining the internal temperature at 2 to 4 ° C., (f-6) was obtained in a solution state.

(7) Synthesis of BLACK-11:
(F-6) obtained in (6) above was stirred at room temperature, and 17.7 g of intermediate (G) was completely dissolved in 60 mL of water and added dropwise. 4.5 g of isoamyl nitrite was added dropwise at an internal temperature of 22 ° C., and the mixture was stirred at the same temperature for 30 minutes. Thereafter, 0.2 g of isoamyl nitrite was further added dropwise, and the mixture was stirred at an internal temperature of 22 ° C. for 2 hours. The reaction solution was dedusted and filtered to remove insolubles, then 183 mL of dimethylacetamide was added to the reaction solution, and 1.1 L of isopropyl alcohol was added dropwise over 30 minutes. The slurry-like reaction liquid was filtered and washed with 2 L of methanol to obtain crude (BLACK-11).
To this crude product, 220 mL of water was added and dissolved, and 370 mL of isopropyl alcohol was added dropwise and filtered again to obtain a wet cake. This wet cake was completely dissolved in 220 mL of water, and 1N-lithium hydroxide aqueous solution was added to adjust the pH value to 8.3 (25 ° C.). This solution was heated to an internal temperature of 40 ° C., and 300 mL of saturated LiCl isopropyl alcohol solution was added dropwise at the same temperature, and the precipitated crystals were filtered to obtain wet crystals. To the obtained wet crystals, 170 mL of water and 100 mL of methanol were added, and 430 mL of a saturated LiCl isopropyl alcohol solution was added dropwise with stirring at an internal temperature of 40 ° C., and the precipitated crystals were separated by filtration. After washing with 500 mL of isopropyl alcohol and drying at 40 ° C. for 12 hours, 11.3 g of fine (BLACK-11) M: Li / Na≈70 / 30 (mol / mol) was obtained.

[Synthesis Example 2]
A synthesis scheme of BLACK-32 (M: Li) is shown below.

(1) Synthesis of intermediate (B-11):
40 g of raw material (A-11; Wako Pure Chemicals) was added to 12.5 g of thiourea and 120 ml of water, and stirred at 70 ° C. for 5 hours. The precipitated crystals were separated by filtration, 400 ml of 5% NaOH solution was added, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours and then filtered to obtain 35.5 g of yellow crystals of intermediate (B-11).

(2) Synthesis of intermediate (C-11):
57.0 g of reduced iron, 5.0 g of ammonium chloride, 35 ml of water and 250 ml of isopropyl alcohol were refluxed for 30 minutes, 22.0 g of intermediate (B-11) was added, and the mixture was stirred at reflux for 1 hour. After filtration, the filtrate was concentrated to obtain 15.0 g of yellow crystals of intermediate (C-11).

(3) Synthesis of Intermediate (D-11) 9.6 g of Intermediate (C-11) was added to 125 mL of acetone and stirred at an internal temperature of 50 ° C. for dissolution. After cooling the internal temperature to 4 ° C. in an ice bath, 5.6 g of acetic anhydride was added dropwise over 15 minutes. After raising the temperature to room temperature, 50 mL of water was added, and acetone was distilled off under reduced pressure. The crystals were separated by filtration, washed twice with 50 mL of water, and dried at 80 ° C. for 6 hours to obtain 9.9 g of intermediate (D-11) white crystals.

(4) Synthesis of Intermediate (F-11) 4.3 g of Intermediate (E-11) was added to 43 mL of water and stirred at room temperature. After dropwise addition of 4.0 mL of 12N hydrochloric acid, the internal temperature was cooled to 4 ° C. Thereto, 3 mL of an aqueous solution containing 0.9 g of sodium nitrite was added dropwise and stirred at 5 ° C. or lower for 2 hours. Thereafter, 0.1 g of urea was added and stirred at an internal temperature of 4 ° C. for 15 minutes to obtain a diazonium solution. Separately, 2.4 g of intermediate (D-11) and 8.6 g of lithium acetate were dissolved in 55 mL of methanol and 3.5 mL of dimethylacetamide and cooled to an internal temperature of 5 ° C. or lower. The diazonium solution was added dropwise at an internal temperature of 5 ° C. or less over 5 minutes. After stirring for 1.5 hours, 15.0 g of lithium chloride was added, followed by dropwise addition of 150 mL of isopropyl alcohol. The crystals were separated by filtration and washed with 100 mL of isopropyl alcohol. After drying at 80 ° C., 5.4 g of brown crystals of intermediate (F-11) were obtained.

(5) Synthesis of BLACK-32 Intermediate (F-11) 5.0 g, (G) 3.8 g and 50 mL of water were adjusted to pH 2 or lower with 12N hydrochloric acid, and the internal temperature was 35 to 40 ° C. and isoamyl nitrite. 1.5 g was added dropwise. After stirring for 4 hours at an internal temperature of 40 ° C., 20 g of lithium chloride was added, followed by dropwise addition of 25 mL of isopropyl alcohol. After cooling to an internal temperature of 25 ° C., the crystals were separated by filtration and washed with 50 mL of isopropyl alcohol. 60 mL of water was added to the crystals, and the temperature was raised to an internal temperature of 40 ° C., and then 100 mL of isopropyl alcohol was added dropwise. After cooling to an internal temperature of 25 ° C., the crystals were filtered off. The obtained crystals were added to 35 mL of water, and a 4 mol / L lithium hydroxide aqueous solution was added so that the pH was 8.3. To this solution, 250 mL of isopropyl alcohol was added dropwise, and the precipitated crystals were separated by filtration. After washing with 30 mL of isopropyl alcohol, drying at 80 ° C. gave 2.7 g of (BLACK-32) (M: Li) black crystals.

[Synthesis Example 3]
A synthesis scheme of BLACK-31 (M: Li) is shown below.

(1) Synthesis of intermediate (B-12):
20.3 g of p-aminoacetophenone (A-12; Tokyo Chemicals) was added to 150 mL of acetonitrile and completely dissolved by stirring at room temperature. Subsequently, 13.4 mL of pyridine was added, and the internal temperature was kept at 4 ° C. in an ice bath. 11.8 g of acetic anhydride was added dropwise, and the mixture was stirred at an internal temperature of 4 ° C. for 15 minutes. 300 mL of water and then 5 mL of 12N hydrochloric acid were added to the reaction solution, and the crystals were separated by filtration. The crystals were washed with 100 mL of water and dried at 80 ° C. to obtain 18.6 g of intermediate (B-12) white crystals.

(2) Synthesis of intermediate (C-12):
A 100 mL three-necked flask equipped with a Dean-Stark trap was charged with 17.7 g of intermediate (B-12), 7.3 g of malononitrile, 4.6 mL of acetic acid, 1.5 g of ammonium acetate and 20 mL of toluene, and an oil at 125 ° C. Refluxed in bath. After stirring for 1 hour, 4.6 mL of acetic acid and 1.5 g of ammonium acetate were added, and the mixture was stirred for 2 hours under reflux conditions. After allowing to cool, 30 mL of methanol was added, and the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes in an ice bath. The crystals were separated by filtration, washed with 20 mL of cold methanol and dried. 12.1 g of white crystals of intermediate (C-12) was obtained.

(3) Synthesis of Intermediate (D-12) 1.5 g of sulfur was added to a solution of 11.3 g of Intermediate (C-12) and 20 mL of ethanol, followed by dropwise addition of 6.6 mL of triethylamine. After stirring at an internal temperature of 50 ° C. for 30 minutes, 500 mL of ethyl acetate and 300 mL of water were added, followed by liquid separation after shaking. 200 mL of brine was added to the organic layer and the mixture was separated after shaking. Magnesium sulfate was added to the organic layer and dried. After distilling off the organic solvent, 50 mL of isopropanol was added, and the suspension was stirred and the crystals were filtered off. After drying at 80 ° C., 8.1 g of white crystals of intermediate (D-12) were obtained.

(4) Synthesis of intermediate (F-12) 6.0 g of intermediate (E-11) was added to 60 mL of water and stirred at room temperature, and 5.6 mL of 12N hydrochloric acid was added dropwise, and then cooled to an internal temperature of 4 ° C. 4 mL of an aqueous solution of 1.3 g of sodium nitrite was added dropwise at an internal temperature of 5 ° C. or lower. After stirring for 2 hours at an internal temperature of 5 ° C. or less, 0.1 g of urea was added and stirred for 15 minutes to obtain a diazonium solution.
Separately, 3.4 g of the intermediate (D-12) and 12.0 g of lithium acetate were dissolved in 90 mL of methanol and 10 mL of dimethylacetamide at room temperature, cooled to an internal temperature of 4 ° C., and then the diazonium solution at an internal temperature of 5 ° C. or lower. Added dropwise for 15 minutes. After stirring at an internal temperature of 4 ° C. or lower for 1.5 hours, 20.0 g of lithium chloride was added, and 75 mL of acetonitrile was added dropwise. The crystals were separated by filtration and washed with acetonitrile. The isolated crystal was suspended and washed with 75 mL of isopropyl alcohol at an internal temperature of 50 ° C. The crystals were separated by filtration and washed with isopropyl alcohol. After drying at 80 ° C., 6.4 g of brown crystals of intermediate (F-12) were obtained.

(5) Synthesis of BLACK-31 (M: Li) Intermediate (F-12) 5.0 g and (G) 3.7 g and a solution of 50 mL of water were adjusted to pH 2 or less with 12N hydrochloric acid water, and the internal temperature was 35 to 35. At 40 ° C., 1.2 g of isoamyl nitrite was added dropwise. After stirring at an internal temperature of 40 ° C. for 3 hours, 50.0 g of lithium chloride was added and the mixture was cooled to an internal temperature of 25 ° C. The crystals were separated by filtration and washed with 150 mL of isopropyl alcohol. The isolated crystals were added to 200 mL of methanol and the temperature was raised to an internal temperature of 40 ° C., and then 800 mL of acetonitrile was added dropwise. After dropping, the mixture was stirred for 15 minutes and cooled to an internal temperature of 25 ° C. The crystals were separated by filtration, added to 150 mL of water, and 450 mL of isopropyl alcohol was added dropwise at room temperature. The crystals were separated by filtration, added to 50 mL of water, and a 4 mol / L lithium hydroxide aqueous solution was added until pH 8.3 was reached. To this solution, 150 mL of isopropyl alcohol was added dropwise, and the precipitated crystals were separated by filtration. After washing with 50 mL of isopropyl alcohol and drying at 80 ° C., 4.3 g of (BLACK-31) (M: Li) black crystals were obtained.

  BLACK-10 can be synthesized according to the synthesis method of BLACK-11.

  Also, BLACK-11 (M: Li / Na≈70 / 30 (mol / mol)) obtained as described above was replaced with a Li salt type ion exchange resin (manufactured by Organo Corp., IR-120B converted to Li type). ) To obtain BLACK-11 (M: Li (that is, all M is Li)).

[Preparation of ink stock solution]
After dissolving 100 g of black dye (BLACK-11) (M: Li / Na≈70 / 30 (mol / mol)) in 900 g of ultrapure water at room temperature with stirring, Proxel XL2 (produced by Fuji Film Imaging Colorant, active ingredient) 10 mass%) (preservative) 1 g (that is, 0.1 g as a solid content (active ingredient)) was added, and these were completely mixed and dissolved. Subsequently, insoluble matter was filtered using a membrane filter having an average pore diameter of 0.2 μm, and an ink stock solution A was obtained.
Proxel XL2 (thiazole-based heterocyclic compound, manufactured by Fujifilm Imaging Colorant) (preservative) was changed in the same manner as ink stock solution A except that it was changed as shown in Table 1 below. C was produced. “Phenoxyethanol” in the column of preservative in Table 1 means that 0.1 g of phenoxyethanol was added, and “pentylene glycol” means that 0.1 g of pentylene glycol was added.
The ink stock solution D was prepared in the same manner as the ink stock solution A except that the black dye (BLACK-11) (M: Li / Na≈70 / 30 (mol / mol)) was changed as shown in Table 1 below. -I, an ink stock solution 102 for comparison was prepared.
At this time, an ink stock solution 101 was prepared in the same manner as the ink stock solution A, except that no preservative was contained as a comparative ink stock solution.

[Preparation of ink liquid]
Using the ink stock solution A obtained above, ultrapure water was added to the components shown in Table 2 below to make 1000 g, and the mixture was stirred and dissolved for 1 hour while heating at 30 to 40 ° C. Then, it filtered under reduced pressure with the micro filter with an average hole diameter of 0.25 micrometer, and prepared the ink liquid 1 (black ink).

[Example 1: Composition of ink liquid 1]

Hereinafter, Examples 7 , 8 , 10 , and 11 shall be read as Reference Examples 7 , 8 , 10 , and 11 , respectively. The same applies to Tables 3 and 4 below.
[Examples 2 to 18, Comparative Examples 101 and 102: Preparation of ink liquids 2 to 18, 101 and 102]
Ink liquids 2 to 18 and 101 are the same as ink liquid 1 except that the type and amount of preservative newly added when preparing the ink stock solution and ink liquid are changed as described in Table 3 below. And 102 (black ink) were prepared.

[Compositions of ink liquids 2 to 18, 101 and 102]

(Image recording and evaluation)
The following evaluation was performed on the inkjet inks of Examples 1 to 18 (ink liquids 1 to 18), Comparative Example 101 (ink liquid 101), and Comparative Example 102 (ink liquid 102) of the present invention. The results are shown in Table 4.
In Table 4, “smudge” and “color transfer” indicate that each ink-jet ink is mounted on an ink jet recording apparatus (trade name: PIXUS iP8600; manufactured by Canon) using thermal energy, and the recording conditions are set at a temperature of 23. It was evaluated after recording an image on a dedicated film A (Photo Gloss Film HG201 manufactured by Canon Inc.) at a temperature of 55 ° C., a relative humidity of 55%, a recording density of 2,400 dpi × 1,200 dpi, and a discharge amount of 2.5 pL. The dedicated film A used for the test is a recording medium having an ink image-receiving layer containing white inorganic pigment particles on a support.
In Table 4, “Image density” and “Image storage stability” indicate that each inkjet ink is loaded into a black ink cartridge of an inkjet recording apparatus (PIXUS iP8600; manufactured by Canon Inc.) using thermal energy. A 256-level black-and-white image from R = G = B = 0 to R = G = B = 255 is created using Photoshop Elements 3.0 from image software Adobe, and photographic paper (Canon photo manufactured by Canon Inc.) is used in monochrome mode. An image was recorded on a paper / glossy professional (PR201) and evaluated by the following method.

<Evaluation of image blur and color transfer>
The photo-glossy film on which the image was formed was dried at room temperature for 1 hour, then immersed in deionized water for 10 seconds, naturally dried at room temperature, and bleeding was observed. The evaluation was made in three stages, with A indicating low bleeding, B indicating moderate bleeding, and C indicating high bleeding.
Further, the color shift was recorded on six continuous images and accumulated in the stacking unit. After all the recording was completed, the color shift on the back side of the recording film that had overlapped the recording surface of the recording film was observed. The case where there was no color transfer was evaluated as ○, and the case where even one sheet had color transfer was evaluated as ×.

<Image density>
An image having the highest density (an image in which R = G = B = 0 in the image data) is measured using a reflection densitometer (X-Rite 310TR). Evaluation was made with B less than 2.0 and C less than 1.6.

<Evaluation of storage stability of ink>
100 mL of ink for inkjet is sealed in a glass container and left in a thermostatic bath at 60 ° C. for 14 days, and then 50 mL of ink is filtered with a hydrophilic membrane filter having a pore size of 0.2 μm, and there is no deposit on the membrane filter. Was evaluated according to the following criteria by visual observation and microscopic observation.
○: Precipitate does not exist on the membrane filter × ... Precipitate exists on the membrane filter Ink stock solutions A to I, 101 and 102 used in the preparation of ink liquids 1 to 18, 101 and 102 Similarly, the storage stability was evaluated.

<Evaluation of image storage stability>
Regarding image storage stability, black solid image print samples with different print densities were prepared on Canon Photo Paper / Glossy Professional (PR201) and evaluated as follows.
(1) Light fastness is determined by measuring the image density Ci immediately after printing with a reflection densitometer (X-Rite 310TR) and then irradiating the image with xenon light (85,000 lux) for 10 days using a weather meter manufactured by Atlas. Then, the image density Cf was measured again, and the dye residual ratio (100 × Cf / Ci) was determined and evaluated. The afterimage rate of the dye is evaluated at three points of reflection densities of 0.5, 1, and 1.5. A is the case where the dye remaining rate is 70% or more at any concentration, and B is the case where the two points are less than 70%. The case of less than 70% at all concentrations was defined as C.
(2) About heat fastness, the density before and after storing a sample for 10 days under conditions of 80 ° C. and 15% RH was measured with a reflection densitometer (X-Rite 310TR), and the dye residual ratio was determined and evaluated. . The afterimage rate of the dye is evaluated at three points of reflection densities of 0.5, 1, and 1.5. A is the case where the dye residual rate is 90% or more at any concentration, and B is the case where the two points are less than 90%. , C was defined as less than 90% at all concentrations.
(3) For ozone (O ₃ ) resistance, the photo glossy film on which the image is formed is left in a box where the ozone gas concentration is set to 0.5 ppm for 7 days, and the image density before and after being left under ozone gas is reflected density. It measured using the meter (X-Rite310TR), and evaluated as a pigment residual rate. The reflection density was measured at three points of 0.5, 1, and 1.5. The ozone gas concentration in the box was set using an ozone gas monitor (model: OZG-EM-01) manufactured by APPLICS.

  The evaluation was made in three stages, with A being a dye residual ratio of 80% or more at any concentration, A being 1 or 2 points being less than 80% B, and C being less than 80% at all concentrations.

<Discharge stability>
Regarding the ejection stability, each ink obtained above was filled in an ink cartridge for an ink jet recording apparatus (trade name: PIXUS iP8600; manufactured by Canon), and the cartridge was set in the ink jet recording apparatus, and the ink from all nozzles After confirming the discharge, 20 sheets of A4 were output and evaluated according to the following criteria.
AA: No printing disturbance from the start to the end of printing A: Almost no disturbance of printing from the start to the end of printing B: Many output with disordered printing occurs C: Printing is interrupted from start to end This experiment was performed immediately after ink filling (ejection performance A) and after the ink cartridge was stored at 40 ° C. and 80% RH for 2 weeks (ejection performance B).

<Evaluation of antiseptic performance>
Caps of food stamps for bacteria testing (for viable cells and fungi) manufactured by Nissui Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. were removed, and sufficient ink jet ink was applied to the surface of the agar medium. By allowing it to stand for 10 hours without capping, the adhesion of bacteria was promoted. Then, the cap was capped, and the food stamp for viable count was cultured in a constant temperature bath at 36 ° C. for 2 days, and the food stamp for fungus was cultured in a constant temperature bath at 23 ° C. for 5 days. Evaluation was performed based on the following criteria by visual observation.
○: No wrinkle occurrence × ... Wrinkle occurrence In addition, the antiseptic performance was similarly evaluated for the ink stock solutions A to I, 101, and 102 used in the preparation of the ink liquids 1 to 18, 101, and 102. .

  The results obtained above are shown in Table 4.

From the results shown in Table 4, when the inks of Examples 1 to 18 of the present invention are used for ink jet recording, compared to Comparative Examples 101 and 102, the obtained images are more excellent in preventing bleeding and color transfer, and the image density, etc. It can be seen that the image quality is high, the storage stability of the ink and the resulting image is excellent, and the ejection stability and antiseptic properties are also excellent.
In particular, Example 9 (an ink using BLACK-11 (M: Li) as a dye compound) unexpectedly had a higher print density and a clearer black color than the others.
Further, from Examples 4, 5, and 12 to 15, the ink liquid containing plural kinds of preservatives was excellent in ejection stability.
For the evaluation of image blur and color transfer, the image receiving paper used in the present invention is EPSON photo paper <glossy> (former name: PM photo paper), Canon PR-201 (conventional PR-101). The effect similar to the above result can be seen even when the change is made.

Claims (11)

An ink composition containing at least one dye that is an azo compound represented by the following formula (BLACK-10) or (BLACK-11) in an aqueous medium, and containing at least one preservative. object.

(In the above formula, each M independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent counter cation.) 2. The ink composition according to claim 1, wherein in the azo compound represented by the formula (BLACK-10) or (BLACK-11) , at least one M is a lithium ion. In Formula (BLACK-10) or azo compound represented by (BLACK-11), all of M is lithium ion, the ink composition according to claim 1 or 2. The ink composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , comprising two or more preservatives. The ink composition according to claim 4 , wherein the content of each preservative is 20% by mass or more of the total content of the preservatives. As said at least one preservative, heterocyclic compounds, phenol derivatives, phenoxy ether derivatives, and preservative selected from the group consisting of alkanediols containing at least one, in any one of claims 1 to 5 The ink composition as described. The ink composition according to claim 6 , wherein the at least one preservative includes the heterocyclic compound, and the heterocyclic compound is a thiazole compound or a benzotriazole compound. The total amount of the preservative is from 0.01 to 0.5 wt%, the ink composition according to any one of claims 1-7. Ink for inkjet recording containing the ink composition of any one of Claims 1-8 . An ink jet recording method using the ink for ink jet recording according to claim 9 . An ink jet recording method for recording an image on an image receiving material by ejecting ink droplets onto an image receiving material having an image receiving layer containing white inorganic pigment particles on a support in accordance with a recording signal, wherein the ink droplets are claim 9. An ink jet recording method comprising the ink for ink jet recording described in 1.