The direct dyes that are soluble in water and ionizable to form colored anions can directly dye the cellulose fibers or protein fibers without the action of the mordant.
This kind of dyes was developed after the find of the Congo red in 1884. The Congo red is formed by the couple of the united amine and 1-naphthylamine-4-sulfonic acid. To the 19th century, a variety of amino acid naphthol began the industrial production, and their varieties were greatly enriched. Green and black direct dyes had emerged.