The synthesis and characterization of three hetarylazo disperse colorants are described. These compounds were used for the preparation of conventional inks and/or oil-in-water microemulsions (microemulsified dyes). The viscosity, conductivity, surface tension, and pH of these inks were studied over a period of time and discussed with respect to their structure. The particle size and particle size distribution of a representative microemulsion were compared to those of a corresponding conventional ink. The measured properties were compared to the properties of commercially available inks. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 116: 1422-1427, 2010