Title:The Synthetic Approaches for Preparation of Indigo and Applications in
Denim Industry
Volume: 20
Issue: 4
Author(s): Gökhan Kaplan and Zeynel Seferoğlu*
Affiliation:
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Gazi University, Yenimahalle, Ankara, 06560, Turkey
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Siegen
University, 57068 Siegen, Germany
Keywords:
Ancient dye, indigo, reduction, enzymatic synthesis, vat dye, oxidation, ring dye, fashion.
Abstract: This paper describes indigo chemistry and its brief scientific history beginning with the
first characterization and chemical synthesis of indigo via various precursors such as isatin, cinnamic
acid, 2-nitrobenzaldehyde, anthranilic acid, N-phenylglycine, aniline, and indole. Furthermore, alternative
methods such as eco-friendly microbial synthesis of indigo using a variety of enzymes are
reported: Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases, flavin-containing monooxygenases, and unspecific
peroxygenases. Subsequently, the application of indigo in the denim industry, reduction methods
(chemical, electrochemical, enzymatic and catalytic) and dyeing methods (all parameters in dyeing,
ring dye) are discussed. In addition, the main reason for the use of indigo in the denim industry is
briefly explained.