Hydrolysis of 1,4-dihydroxy-2,3-dicyanoanthraquinone gives 1,4-dihydroxyanthraquinone-2,3-dicarboxylic anhydride, reaction of which with alkylamines and arylamines gives either the 2-carboxamide or 2,3-dicarboximide derivatives. These compounds colour polyester in brownish-orange hues having good light fastness. The colour of the dyes is discussed in relation to other 2-substituted derivatives of 1,4-dihydroxyanthraquinone.