Dye and pigment intermediates are an extremely important branch of the fine chemical industry; the rapid development of the dye and pigment industry depends on the supporting intermediates.

Since the 1950s, the production of dye and pigment intermediates in China has developed considerably. With increasingly intense market competition, innovations have been made in production technology: breakthroughs in developing new varieties, improving production processes, studying new methods, finding new uses for old varieties, and protecting the environment. Clean processes are used in the production of dye and pigment intermediates.

1. Development of intermediate uses: in fact, the uses of an intermediate are many-sided. An intermediate used for dyes is called a dye intermediate; used for pesticides or pharmaceuticals, it is a pesticide or pharmaceutical intermediate. Intermediates should be considered as a whole branch of the fine chemical industry, not divided strictly into dye, pesticide and pharmaceutical intermediates, which would narrow the range of uses and affect development.

2. Characteristics of fine chemical intermediate research: many varieties, small volume per variety, high added value, and a close relationship between structure and performance. The trend is toward cleaner processes, higher purity and better quality stability.

3. Development direction: with the growth of green chemistry, research on intermediates now focuses on clean synthesis routes, reduction of three wastes, and biodegradable and environmentally friendly products.