Abstract Several reactive dyes, solubilised by the incorporation of one or two cationic groups were synthesised. Each possessed either a single mono- or dichlorotriazine reactive group, or a hetero-bifunctional (monochlorotriazine/sulphatoethylsulphone) reactive system. All dyes fixed efficiently to nylon under alkaline dyeing conditions with fixation and build up being fully comparable to market's leading anionic reactive dyes.