Coloring agent and related technique

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide: a composition and coloring agent that the water or a liquid containing water can cause to change color as clearly as possible; a production method for said coloring agent; a color-changeable body that retains the coloring agent; a moisture-content detection material and coloring material that retains the coloring agent; and a color-changeable body to which the coloring material is applied and the coloring agent has adhered.　The composition comprises at least an electron-donating, coloring organic compound, an electron-receiving compound, and a coloring regulation agent having an action that hinders coloring by the electron-donating, coloring organic compound and the electron-receiving compound. The coloring regulation agent is hydrophilic and can be discolored by water or a water-containing liquid. This composition is held or supported by a prescribed microbody and can be discolored by water or a water-containing liquid. The prescribed microbody is a coloring agent capable of having water or a water-containing liquid in contact with the held or supported composition.

Description

Colorants and related technologies The present invention relates to a composition and colorant that can change color with water or a water-containing liquid, a method for producing the colorant, a color-changing body in which the colorant is retained, a moisture-detecting material and a coloring material containing the colorant, and a color-changing body in which the coloring material is applied and the colorant is fixed. Conventionally, there are known detection agents that change color (development, decolorization, hue change, or other changes in color elements) in response to changes in humidity or moisture. For example, a humidity indicator in which cobalt chloride is supported on filter paper or silica gel appears blue when dry and red or pink when it absorbs moisture. Furthermore, Japanese Patent Publication No. 4597001 discloses a humidity indicator in which safranin, which is considered to be highly safe for the human body, is supported on silica gel instead of cobalt chloride, which has carcinogenic and strong toxicity, and Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-200423 discloses a humidity indicator in which cupric chloride is supported on silica gel. However, these detection agents are used to detect changes in humidity in the air and are sensitive, requiring storage with a desiccant or similar. Therefore, they are not suitable for detecting the presence or absence of moisture in everyday life or for detecting water as a liquid. Japanese Patent Publication No. 3396971 discloses an ink composition for a moisture indicator that decolorizes when wetted with water and can be stably stored in the atmosphere, comprising an organic acid, a color-developing organic compound that changes color in the presence of the organic acid, a water-absorbing powder, and a polymer binder, which are dissolved or dispersed in a non-aqueous solvent. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-111774 discloses a moisture indicator comprising an electron-donating color-developing compound, an acidic compound that is solid at room temperature, and an aqueous resin emulsion or an aqueous solution of a water-soluble polymer compound. However, the former has low solubility of the color-developing compound in relation to the organic acid it contains, and the latter has low solubility of the acidic compound that is solid at room temperature it contains. As a result, both have low color intensity, and their visibility as moisture indicators is insufficient. Furthermore, the polymer binder in the former is a thermoplastic resin soluble in organic solvents, used to fix the color-developing organic compound, organic acid, and water-absorbing powder (which are moisture-detecting components) to the target object. Therefore, the moisture to be detected reaches the moisture-detecting component via the polymer binder, which is a lipophilic thermoplastic resin, and detection takes time. The latter is an aqueous paint in which an electron-donating color-developing compound (which is a moisture-detecting component) and an acidic compound that is solid at room temperature are blended in an aqueous resin emulsion or an aqueous solution of a water-soluble polymer compound. As a result, the paint may run off upon contact with moisture, potentially causing problems with its visibility as a moisture indicator. Moreover, the organic acid in the former and the acidic compound that is solid at room temperature in the latter may dissolve into the moisture being detected, raising safety concerns in skin contact applications. Japanese Patent Publication No. 5996400 discloses a moisture indicator composition containing an electron-donating colorimetric organic compound, at least one selected from an acid having a phenolic hydroxyl group, an acid having a hydroxyl group and a carboxylic acid group, and an acid having multiple carboxylic acid groups, a water-soluble and oil-soluble resin, a cyclodextrin, and a solvent, wherein the moisture indicator composition is colorless after being applied to a substrate and before moisture detection, but can sufficiently develop color upon detecting moisture. This moisture indicator composition, by containing cyclodextrin, is said to suppress the desensitizing effect when using water-soluble and oil-soluble resins such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, making the degree of color development and decolorization clearer and easily observable by visual inspection. However, the inner diameter of the pores of cyclodextrin is extremely small, at 0.45-0.6 nm for the α-form, 0.6-0.8 nm for the β-form, and 0.8-0.95 nm for the γ-form. It is considered difficult to encapsulate relatively large molecules such as electron-donating color-developing organic compounds or acids with phenolic hydroxyl groups, and therefore the desensitizing effect by water-soluble and oil-soluble resins cannot be sufficiently prevented. As a result, the color intensity when in contact with moisture has not yet been sufficient. Japanese Patent Publication No. 55-36326 discloses an invention for a disposable diaper having at least an absorbent part and a water-impermeable sheet in contact with the absorbent part, wherein the water-impermeable sheet in contact with the absorbent part is melt-coated with a mixture of a polymer substance that swells with water, an agent selected from powdered or solid acids or bases, and a dye that changes color depending on the pH of an aqueous solution of the agent. However, in this invention, the pH indicator (dye) is colored using an aqueous solution of powdered or solid acid or base in urine. Therefore, there are safety concerns when used in skin contact applications, and because the pH indicator (dye) diffuses upon contact with water, it is difficult to obtain sufficient color concentration. Japanese Patent Publication No. 4597001, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-200423, Japanese Patent Publication No. 3396971, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-111774, Japanese Patent Publication No. 5996400, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 55-36326 The present invention aims to provide a composition and colorant that can change color as clearly as possible with water or a water-containing liquid, a method for producing the colorant, a color-changing body in which the colorant is retained, a moisture-detecting material and a coloring material into which the colorant is incorporated, and a color-changing body in which the coloring material is applied and the colorant is fixed. The present invention can be expressed, for example, as follows: (1) A composition comprising at least an electron-donating chromogenic organic compound, an electron-accepting compound, and a color modifier having the effect of inhibiting the coloration by the electron-donating chromogenic organic compound and the electron-accepting compound, The aforementioned color modifier is hydrophilic. A composition characterized by being able to change color when exposed to water or a liquid containing water. (2) The composition according to (1) above, wherein the difference in the solubility parameter (δ) between the electron-accepting compound and the color modifier is within plus or minus 3. (3) Solubility of the above color modifier in water (g / 100gH) ２ O) The composition according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the ambient temperature at which it is used is 100 or higher. (4) The composition according to any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein the vapor pressure of the color modifier at 20°C is 0.01 mmHg or less. (5) A composition described in any one of the above items (1) to (4) is held or supported on a predetermined micro-body and can change color when exposed to water or a water-containing liquid. The coloring agent is characterized in that the predetermined microparticles can come into contact with water or a water-containing liquid in the composition that is being held or supported. (6) The coloring agent according to (5) above, wherein the specified microparticles are a porous material. (7) The pore volume of the above porous material is 0.3 cm ３ The coloring agent described in (6) above, which is 1 / g or more. (8) The coloring agent according to (6) or (7) above, wherein the average pore diameter of the porous material is 20 angstroms or more. (9) The coloring agent according to any one of the above items (5) to (8), wherein the composition held or supported on the specified micro-body is a solid or viscous body in the environment of use. (10) A composition comprising at least an electron-donating chromogenic organic compound, an electron-accepting compound, and a color modifier having the effect of inhibiting the coloration by the electron-donating chromogenic organic compound and the electron-accepting compound, liquefied by melting and / or dissolution, A method for producing a colorant according to (9) above, comprising applying the liquefied composition to a predetermined micro-body, and holding or supporting the composition on the predetermined micro-body in a solidified or viscous state. (11) A color-changing body having at least one of the colorants described in any one of items (5) to (9) above retained on its surface, and which can change color with water or a water-containing liquid. (12) A moisture-detecting material comprising a water-absorbent resin powder or other water-absorbent material blended with any one of the colorants described in item (5) to (9) above. (13) A coloring material comprising a non-water-soluble vehicle containing one or both of a solvent and a dispersion medium and an adhesive resin for fixing to an object, and a coloring agent according to at least one of the above items (5) to (9). (14) A color-changing body that can change color with water or a water-containing liquid, to which the coloring material described in (13) above has been applied and to which at least the coloring agent has been fixed. The composition and colorant of the present invention may change color when exposed to water or a water-containing liquid. Therefore, the color change of the composition or colorant of the present invention can be used to detect water or a water-containing liquid. A description of an embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be given. The composition of the present invention comprises at least an electron-donating chromogenic organic compound, an electron-accepting compound, and a color modifier that inhibits color development by the electron-donating chromogenic organic compound and the electron-accepting compound, wherein the color modifier is hydrophilic and can change color with water or a water-containing liquid. Furthermore, the coloring agent of the present invention comprises the composition of the present invention held or supported on a predetermined microstructure, which can change color when exposed to water or a water-containing liquid, and the predetermined microstructure is such that the composition being held or supported on it can come into contact with water or a water-containing liquid. (1) Electron-donating chromogenic organic compounds and electron-accepting compounds exhibit coloration through the transfer of electrons between them. However, in the presence of a solvent as a third component, the bond between the electron-donating chromogenic organic compound and the electron-accepting compound is broken, resulting in a decolorized state. In the case of conventional thermochromic dyes, it is known that when the solvent, as the third component, is in a liquid state above its melting point, the electron bonds are broken, resulting in a decolorized state. However, when it is in a solid state below its melting point, electron bonds are formed through the transfer of electrons, resulting in color change. In other words, the color change is reversible due to the reversible transfer of electrons. On the other hand, the present invention is based on a new finding that in a composition comprising at least three components: an electron-donating chromogenic organic compound, an electron-accepting compound, and a color modifier, the coloration due to the transfer of electrons between the electron-donating chromogenic organic compound and the electron-accepting compound is hindered by the action of the color modifier. However, because the color modifier is hydrophilic, the aforementioned action is suppressed by water or a water-containing liquid, and coloration occurs through the transfer of electrons between the electron-donating chromogenic organic compound and the electron-accepting compound. The composition of the present invention or the colorant composition of the present invention consists of at least the three components described above, and even if it contains other components, those three components will cause it to change color when exposed to water or a water-containing liquid. (2) Electron-donating color-forming organic compound Electron-donating chromogenic organic compounds are components that exhibit color through a color reaction with electron-accepting compounds (chromogenic substances), and leuco dyes are representative examples of electron-donating chromogenic organic compounds. Examples of electron-donating color-changing organic compounds include, but are not limited to, leuco dyes known as dyes for pressure-sensitive copying paper or thermal recording paper, and other leuco dyes conventionally known as components of thermochromic compositions. Specific examples of electron-donating chromogenic organic compounds that can be used include triphenylmethane phthalide, fluorane, phenothiazine, indolylphthalide, leucooramine, spiropyran, rhodamine lactam, triphenylmethane, triazene, spirophthalan xanthene, naphthotractam, and azomethine compounds. More specific examples of electron-donating chromogenic organic compounds include: 3,6-Dimethoxyfluorane, 3,6-Dibutoxyfluorane, 3-Diethylamino-7-Chlorofluorane, 3-Diethylamino-7-Phenylaminofluorane, 3-Chloro-6-Phenylaminofluorane, 3-Diethylamino-6,8-Dimethylfluorane, 3-Diethylamino-6-Methyl-7-Chlorofluorane, 3,3-Bis(1-n-Butyl-2-Methylindole-3-yl)phthalide, 3-(4-Diethylaminophenol)-3-(1-Ethyl-2-Methylindole-3-yl)phthalide, 3-(4-Diethylaminophenol) (Diamino-2-methyl)phenyl-3-(1,2-dimethylindole-3-yl)phthalide, 3-diethylamino-7,8-benzofuran, 6-(dimethylamino)-3,3-bis[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]-1(3H)-isobenzofuran, 3-(2-methyl-4-diethylaminophenol)-3-(1-methyl-2-methylindole-3-yl)phthalide, 2-(N-phenyl-N-methylamino)-6-(N-p-tolyl-N-ethylamino)fluorane, 3-(4-diethylamino-2-ethoxyphenol) 3,4'-(1-ethyl-2-methoxyindole-3-yl)-4-azaphthalide, 7-(4-diethylamino-2-hexyloxyphenyl)-7-(1-ethyl-2-methyl-1H-indole-3-yl)-7H-fl(3,4-b)pyridine-5-wan, 3,3-bis(p-diethylaminophenyl)-6-dimethylaminophthalide, 3,3-bis(p-dimethylaminophenyl)-6-dimethylaminophthalide, 3,3'-bis(p-dimethylaminophenyl)phthalide, 4,4'-bis(diethylamino)benzo Phenone, 3-cyclohexylamino-6-chlorofluorane, spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),9'-[9H]xanthene]-3-one, 6'(propylmethylamino)-3'-methyl-2'-phenylamino, 3-butylamino-6-methyl-7-anilinofluorane, spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),9'-[9H]xanthene]-3-one, 6'-(isobutylethylamino)-3'-methyl-2'-phenylamino, spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),9'-[9H]xanthene]-3-one,6'-(Cyclohexylmethylamino)-3'-methyl-2'-phenylamino, 3-diethylamino-6-methyl-7-xylidinofluoran, 3-diethylamino-7-chloro-anilinofluoran, 2'-(2-chloroanilino)-6'-dibutylaminospiro(phthalide-3,9'-xanthene), 3,3-bis(1-ethyl-2-methyl-indol-3-yl)phthalide, 3-(4-ethylphenol)amino-2-ethoxyphenyl)-3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-4-azaphthalide, 3,6-bisdiphenylaminofluoran, 5'-chloro-6'-methyl-3,6-bisdiphenylaminofluoran, 2-(dibutylamino)-8-(diethylamino)-4-methylspiro[5H-(1)benzopyrano(2,3-d)pyrimidine-5,1'(3'H)-isobenzofuran]-3'-one, 3,3-bis(4-diethylamino-2-ethoxyphenyl)-4-azaphthalide, Examples include, but are not limited to, the above. By using any one or a combination of two or more of the electron-donating color-forming organic compounds as components in the composition comprising at least the above three components in the present invention, the hue of the coloring state of the composition can be arbitrarily adjusted. (3) Electron-accepting compound The electron-accepting compound (color-developing substance) is a component for causing color development by a color reaction with an electron-donating color-forming organic compound such as a leuco dye. As the electron-accepting compound (color-developing substance), for example, those conventionally known as color-developing agents for pressure-sensitive copying paper, color-developing agents for thermal recording paper, color-developing agents for thermochromic compositions, other organic color-developing substances, and other acid color-developing substances can be used. Specific examples include substances having lipophilicity such as bisphenol derivatives and benzotriazole derivatives. More specific examples of electron-accepting compounds (chromogenic substances) include 5-butylbenzotriazole, bisbenzotriazole-5-methane, 1,1'-biphenyl-4,4'-diol, o-methylenebisphenol, p-methylenebisphenol, 2,2'-bisphenol, 4,4'-isopropylidenediphenol, 2,2'-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfate, 4,4'-( 2-ethylhexylidene)bisphenol, 4,4'-hexylidenebisphenol, 4,4'-octylidenebisphenol, 4,4'-(4-methyloctylidene)bisphenol, 4,4'-decylidenebisphenol, 4,4'-(1,3-dimethylbutylidene)bisphenol, 4,4'-(1,5-dimethylhexylidene)bisphenol, 4,4'-(1-methyl-4-methylheptylidene)bisphenol, 4,4'-(2-ethyl- Hexylidene)bisphenol, 4,4'-(1-ethyl-octylidene)bisphenol, 4,4'-ethylidenebisphenol, 2,2'-methylenebis(4-methylphenol), 4,4'-(1-methyl-ethylidene)bis(2-methylphenol), 4,4'-cyclohexylidenebisphenol, 4,4'-(1-phenylethylidene)bisphenol, 4,4'-(1-methyl-propyridene)bisphenol, 4,4'-(2-methyl Examples include, but are not limited to, bisphenol (-propyridene), 4,4'-cyclopentylidenebisphenol, 4,4'-(phenylmethylene)bisphenol, bis(3-allyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)sulfone, 4-hydroxy-4-isopropoxydiphenylsulfone, 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenylsulfone, 2,4'-dihydroxydiphenylsulfone, parahydroxybenzoic acid, gallic acid, hydroquinone, etc. The composition comprising at least three components in the present invention may use any one electron-accepting compound (chromogenic substance) as a component, or use two or more in combination. (4) Color modifiers (4-1) The color-developing regulator has an effect of preventing color development by an electron-donating color-developing organic compound and an electron-accepting compound, and in the composition comprising at least the above three components in the present invention, it has an effect (desensitizing effect) of preventing color development due to the transfer of electrons between the electron-donating color-developing organic compound and the electron-accepting compound. On the other hand, since this color-developing regulator has hydrophilicity, the above-described effect of the color-developing regulator in the composition is suppressed by water or a liquid containing water, and color development due to the transfer of electrons between the electron-donating color-developing organic compound and the electron-accepting compound occurs, causing the composition to change color. (4-2) The statement that "the effect of the color-developing regulator that prevents color development due to the transfer of electrons between the electron-donating color-developing organic compound and the electron-accepting compound is suppressed by water or a liquid containing water" means that when the above composition comes into contact with water or a liquid containing water or gets wet with water or a liquid containing water, the effect of the color-developing regulator that prevents color development due to the transfer of electrons between the electron-donating color-developing organic compound and the electron-accepting compound is suppressed. When the hydrophilicity of the color-developing regulator changes with temperature and is in a state of low hydrophilicity, even if the above composition comes into contact with water or a liquid containing water or gets wet with water or a liquid containing water, the effect of the color-developing regulator may not be suppressed or the degree of suppression may be low. It is considered that the effect of the color-developing regulator is difficult to be suppressed only by changes in humidity such as the air around the above composition. (4-3) The color-developing regulator is a component related to the basis of the discoloration function by water or a liquid containing water in the present invention, and it is necessary to have hydrophilicity. In order to make the discoloration (especially its visibility) of the composition or the colorant of the present invention by water or a liquid containing water clear, the difference in solubility parameters (δ) between the electron-accepting compound and the color-developing regulator can be, for example, within plus or minus 3. Preferably it is within plus or minus 2, more preferably within plus or minus 1.5. In other words, by using an electron-accepting compound (chromogenic substance) and a color modifier whose solubility parameters (δ) are as close as possible to each other, the effect of the color modifier (desensitizing effect) that prevents color development due to electron transfer between the electron-donating chromogenic organic compound and the electron-accepting compound can be enhanced as much as possible in the composition consisting of at least three components of the present invention. As a result, color development due to electron transfer between the electron-donating chromogenic organic compound and the electron-accepting compound in the state before discoloration by water or a water-containing liquid of the composition can be prevented as much as possible, and the difference (discoloration, especially its visibility) between the state before discoloration by electron transfer between the electron-donating chromogenic organic compound and the electron-accepting compound and the state before discoloration by water or a water-containing liquid can be made clear. (4-5) Solubility parameter (SP value) (δ) [Unit: (cal / cm³)] ３ ) １／２ ] can be calculated by the Fedors method according to the following formula [1]. δ=(ΣΔei / ΣΔvi) １／２ ... [1] [In formula [1], "Δei" is the evaporation energy of an atom or group of atoms (cal / mol), and "Δvi" is the molar volume (cm³). ３ The value is ( / mol). For the parameters of atoms and atomic groups required for the calculation, refer to RFFedors, Polym.Eng.Sci.14,147(1974). (4-6) Furthermore, in order to clearly demonstrate the discoloration (particularly its visibility) of the composition or colorant of the present invention by water or a water-containing liquid, it is preferable to use a color modifier whose solubility in water (g / 100gH2O) is 100 or more at least the ambient temperature at which the composition or colorant of the present invention is used (a temperature at which water or a water-containing liquid may be present, for example, room temperature, 1 to 40°C, 5 to 30°C, 40 to 80°C, 60 to 90°C, 0 to 100°C, etc.). More preferably, it is 200 or more, and even more preferably infinite. The ambient temperature at which the composition or colorant of the present invention is used is, for example, an environment in which discoloration of the composition or colorant of the present invention by water or a water-containing liquid is required. By using a color modifier with the highest possible solubility in water, the effect of the color modifier (desensitizing effect) that hinders color development through electron transfer between electron-donating chromogenic organic compounds and electron-accepting compounds is suppressed as effectively as possible by water or a water-containing liquid. This allows color development through electron transfer between electron-donating chromogenic organic compounds and electron-accepting compounds to occur as effectively as possible (for example, developing color at a high concentration), making the difference between the state before and after discoloration (the discoloration, especially its visibility) more pronounced. Furthermore, regarding the mechanism by which a composition or colorant of the present invention changes color when it comes into contact with water or a water-containing liquid, or when the composition becomes wet with water or a water-containing liquid, for example, if the solubility of the color modifier in water (g / 100gH2O) in the composition is sufficiently large, such as 100 or more, the color modifier comes into contact with water to form a mixed solvent with water (δ = 23.4), which has a high solubility parameter. As a result, the difference in solubility parameter (δ) between the mixed solvent and the electron-accepting compound widens, and the action of the color modifier (desensitizing effect) that hinders color development through the transfer of electrons between the electron-donating color-developing organic compound and the electron-accepting compound ceases to work, causing color change. However, the present invention is not limited to this explanation of the mechanism. (4-7) Specific examples of color modifiers include: Examples include, but are not limited to, 1-methoxy-2-propanol, 1-ethoxy-2-propanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, triethylene glycol, tripylene glycol, glycerin, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol 200, polyethylene glycol 300, polyethylene glycol 400, polyethylene glycol 600, polyethylene glycol 1000, polyethylene glycol 2000, polyethylene glycol 4000, polyethylene glycol 6000, polypropylene glycol 20000, polypropylene glycol 400, polypropylene glycol 750, 1,3-propanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,3-cyclohexanediol, etc. The composition comprising the above three components in the present invention may use any one of the color modifiers or a combination of two or more as its components. (4-8) Furthermore, by using a color modifier with a vapor pressure of 0.01 mmHg or less at 20°C, volatilization in the everyday environment is sufficiently prevented, and the function of the composition or colorant of the present invention to change color with water or a water-containing liquid can be stably maintained over a long period of time. The color modifier may be a liquid, a solid, or a plastic or fluid substance when used alone at the ambient temperature of the composition or colorant of the present invention. (5) Predetermined microscopic body (5-1) The predetermined microstructures in the colorant of the present invention are for holding or supporting the composition comprising at least an electron-donating color-developing organic compound, an electron-accepting compound, and a color modifier, and for forming a colorant that can change color with water or a water-containing liquid, wherein water or a water-containing liquid can come into contact with the composition being held or supported. Examples of such predetermined microstructures include porous materials as microstructures such as powdered porous materials, in which the composition held or supported in numerous pores can come into direct contact with external water or a water-containing liquid, either directly or through the pores, and porous microcapsules, in which the composition held or supported inside can come into contact with external water or a water-containing liquid through numerous pores. However, the predetermined microstructures that can be used in the present invention are not limited to these. By providing a coloring agent in which the composition comprising at least three components is supported on predetermined micromolecules, the composition can be maintained in each predetermined micromolecule while being able to change color stably and as quickly as possible with water or a water-containing liquid. The predetermined micromolecules are preferably colorless, white, or light-colored, or transparent, in order to make the color change of the supported or held composition as clear as possible, especially to make it clearly visible, but are not limited to these. (5-2) In the colorant of the present invention, the composition is preferably held or supported in a predetermined microstructure in a solid state, but is not limited thereto. For example, it may be held or supported in a predetermined microstructure in a viscous or other plastic or fluid state (for example, adsorbed, attached to or impregnated in a large number of pores of a powdery porous material, or encapsulated in a porous microcapsule). The colorant of the present invention can be obtained by applying, for example, a predetermined microstructure (for example, by attaching, adsorbing, impregnating, or encapsulating the composition) at least an electron-donating color-developing organic compound, an electron-accepting compound, and a color modifier to a predetermined microstructure, preferably as a liquid composition or as a composition in another plastic or fluid state, for example by heating, melting, mixing, or heating. After application, the predetermined microstructure is held or supported, preferably as a solid, in the usage environment (for example, the usage environment temperature), or held or supported (for example, attached, adsorbed, impregnated, or encapsulated) in a viscous or other plastic or fluid state. (5-3) Preferred examples of the predetermined microparticles in the colorant of the present invention include porous substances such as powdery porous substances. (a) One or both of the pore volume and pore diameter of the porous substance as the predetermined microparticle are such that at least a composition comprising an electron-donating color-forming organic compound, an electron-accepting compound, and a color tone adjuster is stably supported on the porous substance, and the color generated by the transfer of electrons between the electron-donating color-forming organic compound and the electron-accepting compound by water or a liquid containing water is effectively visually recognized (for example, visually recognized at a high concentration). Preferably, it is as follows. That is, the pore volume of the porous substance is preferably 0.3 cm ３ / g or more. More preferably 0.4 cm ３ / g or more, and still more preferably 0.5 cm ３ / g or more. Further, the pore diameter of the porous substance is preferably 20 angstroms or more. More preferably 50 angstroms or more, and still more preferably 100 angstroms or more. (b) Examples of the porous substance in the colorant of the present invention include, for example, Mizukasil P-78D ("Mizukasil" is a trademark of Mizusawa Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), Mizukasil 78A, Mizukasil P707, Mizukasil C-444, Mizukasil No30, Mizukasil P58C, Mizukasil 758C, Silicia 350 ("Silicia" is a trademark of Fuji Silysia Chemical Ltd.), Silicia 420, Silicia 430, Godball E-90C ("Godball" is a trademark of Suzuki Oil & Fat Industry Co., Ltd.), Godball D11C, Godball SF-16C, Godball G-6C, Godball B-6C, Godball B-25C, etc. of SiO ２ (silicon dioxide); Acidic clay such as Mizuka Ace 300 ("Mizuka Ace" is a trademark of Mizusawa Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.); SiO such as SIPERNAT 820A ("SIPERNAT" is a trademark of Evonik), Galleon Neutral D2-Y ("Galleon" is a trademark of Mizusawa Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) ２ / Al ２ O３ (Silicon dioxide / alumina composite) Other materials such as diatomaceous earth, bentonite, and clay can be used, but are not limited to these. As the porous material in the colorant of the present invention, one type may be used or two or more types may be used in combination. (c) When the predetermined microstructure is a porous material, the colorant of the present invention may be, for example, an electron-donating coloring organic compound, an electron-accepting compound, and a color modifier which are preferably attached, adsorbed, or impregnated to the porous material as the predetermined microstructure by, for example, heating, melting, mixing, or heating, preferably as a liquid composition, or as a composition in another plastic or fluid state, and then, in the usage environment, preferably held or supported (e.g., attached or adsorbed) on the porous material, or held or supported (e.g., attached, adsorbed, or impregnated) in a viscous or other plastic or fluid state. The operation of attaching, adsorbing, or impregnating a porous material as a predetermined micro-body with the composition comprising the at least three components, and then holding or supporting it, can be carried out, for example, by adding the at least three components, which have been made into a liquid state (or other state having plasticity or fluidity) by heating, melting, mixing, or melting, to a group of porous materials, such as a powdered porous material, that is being continuously stirred. Specifically, it can be done as follows: For example, a composition is prepared by heating and melting 1 part of an electron-donating color-developing organic compound, 3 to 5 parts of an electron-accepting compound with a solubility parameter (δ) difference of ±2, and 5 to 20 parts of a color modifier in a heat-resistant container at 100 to 160°C and mixing them, resulting in a pore volume of 0.3 cm². ３ A powdered porous material with a pore size of 20 angstroms or more and a weight of 1g or more is continuously stirred in a separate heat-resistant container, and the heated and molten composition is gradually added to the container to adsorb (or impregnate, etc.) the powdered porous material and support it on the container. Alternatively, for example, a porous material similar to the one described above can be heated to 100 to 160°C in a heat-resistant container and continuously stirred, and the heated and molten composition can be gradually added to it to adsorb (or impregnate, etc.) the powdered porous material group and support it. When using such an operation to hold or support the composition consisting of at least three components onto a group of porous materials, such as a powdered porous material, whether or not the maximum amount that can be held or supported (saturation holding or supporting amount) has been exceeded can be determined by adding the at least three components, in a liquid state (or other plastic or fluid state), to a group of porous materials, which is being continuously stirred, and then determining whether or not the mixture is in the state of a group of microparticles, such as a powder (for example, whether it is a mixture of the microparticle group and a liquid or other plastic or fluid substance, or whether it is in a semi-fluid state). Note that even if the amount of the composition has not reached the saturation holding or supporting amount, if the stirring or other operation to hold or support the composition onto the group of porous materials, such as a powder, is insufficient, it may similarly not be in the state of a group of microparticles, such as a powder. (d) The maximum amount (saturation retention or support amount) of the composition that can be retained or supported on a porous material as a predetermined micro-body, such as a powdered porous material, mainly depends on the pore volume and pore diameter of the porous material, but is generally in the range of 0.5 to 1.5 parts of the composition per 1 part of the porous material. In order to make the difference before and after discoloration (particularly its visibility) caused by the coloring agent of the present invention changing color with water or a water-containing liquid as clear as possible, it is preferable that a composition consisting of at least three components in a saturated holding or supported amount (or an amount close thereto, for example, 50% by mass or more of the saturated holding or supported amount, preferably 70% by mass or more, more preferably 80% by mass or more, even more preferably 90% by mass or more, more preferably 95% by mass or more) is held or supported on a porous material as a predetermined micro-body, such as a powdered porous material. When a mixture exists of a group of porous materials as predetermined micro-organisms that hold or support the composition in a saturated holding or supporting amount (or an amount less than the saturated holding or supporting amount when stirring or other operations to hold or support the composition in a predetermined micro-organism group of porous materials are insufficient) and the composition that is not held or supported by the predetermined micro-organism group of porous materials, there is a risk that the composition may bleed over time, or that the color modifier in the composition may not adequately inhibit the color development by electron-donating color-developing organic compounds and electron-accepting compounds due to trace amounts of water (liquid) generated by changes in humidity in the air, resulting in a slightly colored state. (6) The composition of the present invention, that is, the composition comprising at least the above-mentioned electron-donating color-producing organic compound, electron-accepting compound, and color modifier, may contain a non-color-changing pigment or dye that does not change color due to moisture. In this case, the composition of the present invention is in a state in which the coloration due to the transfer of electrons between the electron-donating chromogenic organic compound and the electron-accepting compound is inhibited by the action of the color modifier, and also in a state in which the action is suppressed by water or a water-containing liquid and coloration is achieved through the transfer of electrons between the electron-donating chromogenic organic compound and the electron-accepting compound, and the color from the non-color-changing pigment or dye is added. The non-color-changing pigment may be an inorganic or organic pigment, and may include, but is not limited to, carbon black pigment, iron oxide pigment, etc. as a black pigment; azo pigments, quinacridone pigments, diketopyrrolopyrrole pigments, chromophthal pigments, anthraquinone pigments, etc. as a red pigment; azo pigments, imidazolon pigments, titanium pigments, etc. as a yellow pigment; indanthrene pigments, azo pigments, etc. as an orange pigment; phthalocyanine pigments, etc. as a blue or green pigment; and dioxazine pigments, quinacridone pigments, etc. as a purple pigment. As the non-color-changing dyes mentioned above, disperse dyes, acid dyes, cationic dyes, etc., can be used, but are not limited to these. It is preferable that the non-coloring pigment or dye is used in a state in which it has been pre-dispersed or dissolved in the color modifier constituting the composition. Furthermore, the amount of the non-coloring pigment or dye used is preferably within a range that does not impair the visibility of the color change caused by water or a water-containing liquid in the composition or colorant of the present invention. Specifically, it is preferable to blend it in an amount of approximately 0.0001 to 1 part per 100 parts of the composition of the present invention. (7) Method of use and applications of the colorant of the present invention (7-1) The colorants of the present invention include, for example, The required object (sheet-like articles such as paper or synthetic resin film, plate-like articles made of wood, synthetic resin, metal or other materials, or other shaped objects) is in a form in which the coloring agent is visibly fixed (including cases in which the same or different coloring agents are fixed to multiple parts in various arrangements or to parts arranged in rows, grids or matrices), A form in which a coloring agent is sealed in a retaining body that can be permeated with moisture and is visible from the outside (for example, a bag, container, a gap between sheets, plates, or other forms of materials) (including a form in which the same or different coloring agents are sealed in multiple retaining bodies arranged in various configurations or in retaining bodies arranged in rows, grids, or matrices), In a form mixed with water-absorbing materials such as water-absorbing resin powder, A mixture of materials that can be mixed or kneaded with water, etc. It can be used while held in this state, but is not limited to these. (7-2) Examples of applications for the colorants of the present invention in which they are retained in various forms include: Detection of moisture in a sheet-like substance; Detection of items getting wet or submerged in water; Indication of the water level of water or a liquid containing water; The coloring agent of the present invention is retained on clothing, hats, gloves, socks, footwear, umbrellas, various miscellaneous goods, toys, the walls and roofs of buildings, roads such as sidewalks and roadways, etc. (for example, at least on the surface of such objects), and changes color when exposed to moisture (including those in which letters, symbols, figures, pictures, etc. appear as a result of the color change); A sheet-like article such as paper or synthetic resin film, a plate-like article made of wood, synthetic resin, metal, or other material, or an object of other shape, on which the coloring agent of the present invention is held, and the required part can be changed to a certain color with the same coloring agent or to multiple different colors with different coloring agents by water or a water-containing liquid (for example, with a finger, or using a pen, brush, paintbrush, or inkjet printing device capable of supplying water or a water-containing liquid to the required part), thereby enabling writing, drawing, etc.; Disposable diapers and other absorbent items have a coloring agent mixed into part or all of the absorbent resin powder used in the absorbent part, or a coloring agent is fixed to part or all of the waterproof sheet covering the absorbent part of the absorbent item, so that moisture from urine excretion, etc., can be visually detected; A wheat flour clay powder (or other clay material) into which one or more coloring agents are blended, and by adding water to the white or light-colored wheat flour clay powder (or other clay material) and processing it into a clay-like state, or by adding water and kneading it afterward, a single-color or mixed-color wheat flour clay (or other clay material) or a wheat flour clay (or other clay material) that changes color to a single color or a mixed-color; A silicone putty clay (or other clay) in which one or more colorants are mixed, and by kneading white or light-colored silicone putty clay (or other clay) and then applying water or adding water and kneading again, a single-color or mixed-color silicone putty clay (or other clay) can be obtained. These are some examples, but they are not limited to these. (7-3) By blending at least the colorant of the present invention with one or both of a solvent and a dispersion medium and an adhesive resin for fixing to an object, a coloring material such as a printing ink (e.g., gravure printing ink, flexographic printing ink, offset printing ink, screen printing ink, inkjet ink), paint or coating material containing at least the colorant of the present invention can be obtained. By applying this coloring material, such as printing ink, paint, or coating material, to an object (for example, the surface of the object), at least the colorant of the present invention is fixed to the object (for example, a sheet-like article such as paper or synthetic resin film, a plate-like article made of wood, synthetic resin, metal, or other material, or the surface of an object of other shapes), and a color-changing body is obtained that can change color with water or a water-containing liquid. The vehicle containing the coloring agent of the present invention is non-water soluble. In the case of a water-soluble vehicle, the coloring agent of the present invention will change color due to moisture at that point, and therefore should not be used. As the fixing resin used for non-water-soluble vehicles, for example, one of the following (but not limited to) soluble in lipophilic organic solvents can be used: polyester resin, polyacrylic acid ester resin, polyurethane resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, polyethylene vinyl acetate resin, polyamide resin, rosin acid ester resin, etc. Two or more of these can be mixed and used. The vehicle can be obtained by dissolving such a fixing resin in a lipophilic organic solvent such as an ester solvent, ketone solvent, aromatic hydrocarbon agent, alcohol solvent, or aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent. Furthermore, non-water-soluble vehicles may be formulated with defoaming agents, thickeners, crosslinking agents, UV absorbers, antioxidants, humectants, moisture absorbers, and non-color-changing organic or inorganic pigments or dyes that do not discolor due to moisture. By adding, for example, 1 to 50 parts of the coloring agent of the present invention to 100 parts of the obtained water-insoluble vehicle, a coloring material such as printing ink (e.g., gravure printing ink, flexographic printing ink, offset printing ink, screen printing ink, inkjet ink), paint, or coating material can be obtained. The viscosity and other properties of this coloring material are to be suitable for each printing, painting, coating, or other method and application. The present invention will be described below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. In the following description, parts and % refer to parts by weight and weight percent, respectively. [Example 1] In a heat-resistant glass container with a capacity of 1 liter 3-(4-diethylaminophenol)-3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindole-3yl)phthalide [electron-donating chromogenic organic compound: blue leuco dye] 4 parts, 4,4'-(1,3-dimethylbutylidene)bisphenol [electron-accepting compound: solubility parameter δ1 = 11.88] 16 parts, Polyethylene glycol 400 [Color modifier: Solubility parameter δ² = 11.1, vapor pressure 9 × 10⁻⁶] －５ mmHg [100℃], solubility in water = ∞] 36 parts After mixing the ingredients, a liquid composition was prepared by heating and mixing at 100°C (δ1 - δ2 = 0.78). Next, in another heat-resistant glass container with a capacity of 2 liters... Mizukasil P-78D [White, powdery, porous material: SiO₂ manufactured by Mizusawa Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.] ２ Pore ​​volume = 1.7 cm ３ [ / g, average pore size = 170 angstroms] 44 parts The porous material was weighed, and while heating it to 110°C and stirring it with a mixer, the liquid composition at 100°C was gradually added to the porous material and stirred thoroughly to obtain a white powder in which the composition was supported on the porous material. The resulting white powder was confirmed to be a powder coloring agent that instantly changes color from white to dark blue when water (liquid) is supplied. When the obtained white powder was stored at room temperature for one year without contact with water, it remained white. When water (liquid) was supplied to it, it instantly changed color from white to dark blue, and no change over time was observed. The results are shown in Table 1. [Example 2] In a heat-resistant glass container with a capacity of 1 liter 2-(N-phenyl-N-methylamino)-6-(N-p-tolyl-N-ethylamino)fluorane [electron-donating chromogenic organic compound: green leuco dye] 3.5 parts, 4,4'-(1-phenylethylidene)bisphenol [electron-accepting compound: solubility parameter δ1 = 12.34] 15 parts, Polyethylene glycol 200 [Color modifier: Solubility parameter δ² = 12.76, vapor pressure 0.000075 mmHg [20℃], solubility in water = ∞] 37.5 parts After mixing the ingredients, a liquid composition was prepared by heating and mixing at 100°C (δ1 - δ2 = -0.42). Next, in another heat-resistant glass container with a capacity of 2 liters... Mizukasil P-78D [White, powdery, porous material: SiO₂ manufactured by Mizusawa Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.] ２ Pore ​​volume = 1.7 cm ３ [ / g, average pore size = 170 angstroms] 44 parts The porous material was weighed, and while heating it to 110°C and stirring it with a mixer, the liquid composition at 100°C was gradually added to the porous material and stirred thoroughly to obtain a white powder in which the composition was supported on the porous material. The resulting white powder was confirmed to be a powder coloring agent that instantly changes color from white to dark green when water (liquid) is supplied. When the obtained white powder was stored at room temperature for one year without contact with water, it remained white. When water (liquid) was supplied to it, it instantly changed color from white to dark green, and no change over time was observed. The results are shown in Table 1. [Example 3] In a heat-resistant glass container with a capacity of 1 liter 3-(4-diethylaminophenol)-3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindole-3yl)phthalide [electron-donating chromogenic organic compound: blue leuco dye] 2.5 parts, 4,4'-(1,3-dimethylbutylidene)bisphenol [electron-accepting compound: solubility parameter δ1 = 11.88] 10 parts, Polyethylene glycol 400 [Color modifier: Solubility parameter δ² = 11.1, vapor pressure 9 × 10⁻⁶] －５ mmHg [100℃], solubility in water = ∞] 32 parts After mixing the ingredients, a liquid composition was prepared by heating and mixing at 100°C (δ1 - δ2 = 0.78). Next, in another heat-resistant glass container with a capacity of 2 liters... SIPERNAT820A [White, powdery, porous material: SiO₂ manufactured by Evonik] ２ / Al ２ O ３ Pore ​​volume = 0.47 cm³ ３ [ / g, average pore size = 200 angstroms] 55.5 parts The porous material was weighed, and while heating it to 110°C and stirring it with a mixer, the liquid composition at 100°C was gradually added to the porous material and stirred thoroughly to obtain a white powder in which the composition was supported on the porous material. The resulting white powder was confirmed to be a powder coloring agent that instantly changes color from white to dark blue when water (liquid) is supplied. When the obtained white powder was stored at room temperature for one year without contact with water, it remained white. When water (liquid) was supplied to it, it instantly changed color from white to dark blue, and no change over time was observed. The results are shown in Table 1. [Example 4] In a heat-resistant glass container with a capacity of 1 liter 3-(4-diethylamino-2-ethoxyphenol)-3-(1-ethyl-2-methoxyindole-3-yl)-4-azaphthalide [electron-donating chromogenic organic compound: blue leuco dye] 3.5 parts, 4,4'-(2-ethylhexylidene)bisphenol [electron-accepting compound: solubility parameter δ1 = 11.61] 13.5 parts, Tripropylene glycol [color modifier: solubility parameter δ² = 12.06, vapor pressure 0.00105 mmHg [25℃], solubility in water = ∞] 30 parts After mixing the ingredients, a liquid composition was prepared by heating and mixing at 100°C (δ1 - δ2 = -0.45). Next, in another heat-resistant glass container with a capacity of 2 liters... Mizukasil C-444 [Powdered white porous material: SiO2 manufactured by Mizusawa Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.] ２ Pore ​​volume = 1.6 cm３ [ / g, average pore size = 180 angstroms] 53 parts The porous material was weighed, and while heating it to 110°C and stirring it with a mixer, the liquid composition at 100°C was gradually added to the porous material and stirred thoroughly to obtain a white powder in which the composition was supported on the porous material. The resulting white powder was confirmed to be a powder coloring agent that instantly changes color from white to dark blue when water (liquid) is supplied. When the obtained white powder was stored at room temperature for one year without contact with water, it remained white. When water (liquid) was supplied to it, it instantly changed color from white to dark blue, and no change over time was observed. The results are shown in Table 1. [Comparative Example 1] In a heat-resistant glass container with a capacity of 1 liter 3-(4-diethylaminophenol)-3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindole-3yl)phthalide [electron-donating chromogenic organic compound: blue leuco dye] 4 parts, 4,4'-(1,3-dimethylbutylidene)bisphenol [electron-accepting compound: solubility parameter δ1 = 11.88] 16 parts, Propylene glycol [color modifier: solubility parameter δ² = 15.91, vapor pressure 0.08 mmHg [20℃], solubility in water = ∞] 36 parts After mixing the ingredients, a liquid composition was prepared by heating and mixing at 100°C (δ1 - δ2 = -4.03). Next, in another heat-resistant glass container with a capacity of 2 liters... Mizukasil P-78D [White, powdery, porous material: SiO₂ manufactured by Mizusawa Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.] ２ Pore ​​volume = 1.7 cm ３ [ / g, average pore size = 170 angstroms] 44 parts The porous material was weighed, and while heating it to 110°C and stirring it with a mixer, the liquid composition at 100°C was gradually added to the porous material and stirred thoroughly to obtain a blue powder in which the composition was supported on the porous material. When water (liquid) was supplied to the resulting blue powder, it changed from blue to a dark blue, but the visibility of this change was poor. This is thought to be due to the large difference in solubility parameters between the electron-accepting compound and the color modifier. When the resulting blue powder (without water supply) was stored at room temperature for one year without contact with water, its blue color deepened. When water (liquid) was supplied, it changed to an even darker blue, but the visibility of this change further decreased. This change over time is thought to be due to the high vapor pressure of propylene glycol used as a color modifier, resulting in a large amount of volatilization over time. The results are shown in Table 2. [Comparative Example 2] In a heat-resistant glass container with a capacity of 1 liter 3-(4-diethylaminophenol)-3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindole-3yl)phthalide [electron-donating chromogenic organic compound: blue leuco dye] 4 parts, 4,4'-(1,3-dimethylbutylidene)bisphenol [electron-accepting compound: solubility parameter δ1 = 11.88] 16 parts, Polyethylene glycol 20000 [Color modifier: Solubility parameter δ² = 9.41, vapor pressure 7 × 10⁻⁶] －３ mmHg [at 20°C] less than 50% solubility in water: 36 parts After mixing the ingredients, a liquid composition was prepared by heating and mixing at 100°C (δ1 - δ2 = 2.47). Next, in another heat-resistant glass container with a capacity of 2 liters... Mizukasil P-78D [White, powdery, porous material: SiO₂ manufactured by Mizusawa Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.] ２ Pore ​​volume = 1.7 cm ３ [ / g, average pore size = 170 angstroms] 44 parts The porous material was weighed, and while heating it to 110°C and stirring it with a mixer, the liquid composition at 100°C was gradually added to the porous material and stirred thoroughly to obtain a light blue powder on which the composition was supported on the porous material. When water (liquid) was supplied to the resulting light blue powder, it changed from light blue to dark blue, but the visibility of this change was not good. This is thought to be due to the low solubility of polyethylene glycol 20000, which is a color modifier, in water, and the relatively large difference in solubility parameters between the electron-accepting compound and the color modifier. When the obtained light blue powder (without water supply) was stored at room temperature for one year without contact with water, it remained the same light blue color as before storage. When water (liquid) was supplied to it, it changed to a dark blue color, just as before storage, and no change over time was observed. The results are shown in Table 2. [Comparative Example 3] In a heat-resistant glass container with a capacity of 1 liter 3-(4-diethylaminophenol)-3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindole-3yl)phthalide [electron-donating chromogenic organic compound: blue leuco dye] 4 parts, 4,4'-(1,3-dimethylbutylidene)bisphenol [electron-accepting compound: solubility parameter δ1 = 11.88] 16 parts, Polyethylene glycol 400 [Color modifier: Solubility parameter δ² = 11.1, vapor pressure 9 × 10⁻⁶] －５ mmHg [100℃], solubility in water = ∞] 36 parts After mixing the ingredients, a liquid composition was prepared by heating and mixing at 100°C (δ1 - δ2 = 0.78). Next, into another 2L heat-resistant glass container Galleon Neutral D2-Y [Powdered white porous material: Manufactured by Mizusawa Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., SiO2] ２ / Al ２ O ３ Pore ​​volume = 0.3 cm³ ３ [ / g, average pore size = 2.3 angstroms] 44 parts The powdered porous material was weighed and heated to 110°C. While stirring with a mixer, the liquid composition at 100°C was gradually added to the powdered porous material and stirred. However, it did not become a powder but remained in a clay-like or plastic state. Therefore, by adding 40 parts of Galleon Neutral D2-Y and heating and stirring, it became a powder, but the composition did not adsorb into the pores of the porous material and instead appeared to be coated on the surface of the porous material, exhibiting a light blue color. When water (liquid) was supplied, the blue color became slightly darker, but it was still considerably lighter than the dark blue color of the powder after water (liquid) supply in Example 1, and the visibility of the color change was low, so it could not be used as an indicator to detect water. This result is thought to be due to the fact that the average pore diameter of Galleon Neutral D2-Y, used as a porous material, was small, and its pore volume was not large, making it impossible to adequately adsorb and support the aforementioned composition in the pores. When the obtained light blue powder (without water supply) was stored at room temperature for one year without contact with water, it remained the same light blue color as before storage. When water (liquid) was supplied to it, it became a light blue color, only slightly darker, similar to before storage. Thus, no changes over time were observed, including the low visibility of the discoloration. The results are shown in Table 2. [Comparative Example 4] In a heat-resistant glass container with a capacity of 1 liter 2-(N-phenyl-N-methylamino)-6-(N-p-tolyl-N-ethylamino)fluorane [electron-donating chromogenic organic compound: green leuco dye] 4 parts, 4,4'-(1,3-dimethylbutylidene)bisphenol [electron-accepting compound: solubility parameter δ1 = 11.88] 16 parts, Ethylene glycol [color modifier: solubility parameter δ² = 17.83, vapor pressure 0.05 mmHg [20℃], solubility in water = ∞] 36 parts After mixing the ingredients, a liquid composition was prepared by heating and mixing at 100°C (δ1 - δ2 = -5.95). Next, in another heat-resistant glass container with a capacity of 2 liters... Mizukasil P-78D [White, powdery, porous material: SiO₂ manufactured by Mizusawa Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.] ２ Pore ​​volume = 1.7 cm ３ [ / g, average pore size = 170 angstroms] 44 parts The porous material was weighed, and while heating it to 110°C and stirring it with a mixer, the liquid composition at 100°C was gradually added to the porous material and stirred thoroughly to obtain a dark green powder on which the composition was supported on the porous material. When water (liquid) was supplied to the resulting dark green powder, it changed to an even darker green, but the visibility of this change was low. This is thought to be due to the large difference in solubility parameters between the electron-accepting compound and the color modifier. When the resulting dark green powder (without water supply) was stored at room temperature for one year without contact with water, the dark green color became even darker, and no discoloration was observed even when water (liquid) was supplied. This change over time is thought to be due to the high vapor pressure of ethylene glycol used as a color modifier, resulting in a large amount of volatilization over time. The results are shown in Table 2. [Example 5] A screen printing ink was prepared by blending 30 parts of the powder colorant obtained in Example 1 with a non-water-soluble vehicle consisting of 30 parts Byron 670 (manufactured by Toyobo STC Co., Ltd.: saturated polyester resin), 69 parts xylene, and 1 part TSE-350 (manufactured by Momentive: defoaming agent). Using this screen printing ink, the entire surface of a high-quality paper substrate was printed twice using a 120-mesh screen stencil. By drying this at 60°C, a paper indicator sheet with a completely white ink-printed surface was obtained. When the letter M was written on the ink-printed side of the obtained indicator sheet using a brush dipped in water, a dark blue M instantly appeared. [Example 6] A water-insoluble vehicle consisting of 50 parts Alcon M100 (manufactured by Arakawa Chemical Industries, Ltd.: petroleum resin), 49 parts toluene, and 1 part TSE-350 (manufactured by Momentive: defoaming agent) was mixed with 50 parts of the powder colorant obtained in Example 1 and 50 parts of toluene to create a coating ink. The resulting ink was then applied to a 50 μm thick polyester film substrate using a wire bar coater at a rate of 50 g / m². ２ The coating was applied using the specified amount. By drying this at 50°C, an indicator film made of polyester film was obtained in which the ink-coated surface was entirely white. When the obtained indicator film was cut into 1m x 2cm pieces and used as a simple water level gauge for a water storage tank, the portion of the ink-coated surface of the indicator film that reached the water level turned a dark blue color. [Example 7] A screen printing ink was prepared by blending 30 parts of the powder colorant obtained in Example 1 with a water-insoluble vehicle consisting of 20 parts Byron 670 (manufactured by Toyobo STC Co., Ltd.: saturated polyester resin), 49 parts xylene, and 1 part TSE-350 (manufactured by Momentive: defoaming agent). Using this screen printing ink, a polka dot pattern was printed onto a white, high-quality paper sticker substrate using a 120-mesh screen with a diameter of 1 mm. After drying this at 60°C, it was cut into 3cm x 3cm pieces to obtain a water-damage indicator sticker with a white polka dot pattern printed on white high-quality paper. When an electronic device with the obtained water damage confirmation sticker attached to its interior was submerged in water for 10 minutes, the white polka dots printed on the water damage confirmation sticker changed to dark blue polka dots, confirming that the device had been submerged in water. [Example 8] 99 parts of Sunwet IM-1000 (manufactured by Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.: superabsorbent polymer powder) and 1 part of the powder coloring agent obtained in Example 1 were uniformly mixed in a powder blender. Ten parts of the obtained superabsorbent resin powder mixture were absorbed by 300 parts of physiological saline solution as a substitute for urination, and the discoloration was observed. The results are shown in Table 3. [Example 9] The process was carried out in the same manner as in Example 8, except that one part of the powder colorant obtained in Example 1 was replaced with one part of the powder colorant obtained in Example 2, and the discoloration was observed. The results are shown in Table 3. [Example 10] The process was carried out in the same manner as in Example 8, except that one part of the powder colorant obtained in Example 1 was replaced with one part of the powder colorant obtained in Example 3, and the discoloration was observed. The results are shown in Table 3. [Example 11] The process was carried out in the same manner as in Example 8, except that one part of the powder colorant obtained in Example 1 was replaced with one part of the powder colorant obtained in Example 4, and the discoloration was observed. The results are shown in Table 3. [Example 12] When the superabsorbent resin powder mixture obtained in Example 8 was used in the absorbent layer of a disposable diaper, a wear test was conducted. It was observed that the white absorbent layer changed to a dark blue color through the outer film of the disposable diaper upon urination, confirming that the disposable diaper had a urination indicator function. [Comparative Example 5] The procedure was carried out in the same manner as in Example 8, except that one part of the powder colorant obtained in Example 1 was replaced with one part of the powder colorant obtained in Comparative Example 1, and the discoloration was observed. The results are shown in Table 3. [Comparative Example 6] The procedure was carried out in the same manner as in Example 8, except that one part of the powder colorant obtained in Example 1 was replaced with one part of the powder colorant obtained in Comparative Example 2, and the discoloration was observed. The results are shown in Table 3. [Comparative Example 7] The procedure was carried out in the same manner as in Example 8, except that one part of the powder colorant obtained in Example 1 was replaced with one part of the powder colorant obtained in Comparative Example 3, and the discoloration was observed. The results are shown in Table 3. [Comparative Example 8] The procedure was carried out in the same manner as in Example 8, except that one part of the powder colorant obtained in Example 1 was replaced with one part of the powder colorant obtained in Comparative Example 4, and the discoloration was observed. The results are shown in Table 3. (Evaluation criteria) ○ Excellent visibility × Poor visibility ×× Extremely poor visibility

Claims

1. A composition comprising at least an electron-donating organic color-forming compound, an electron-accepting compound, and a color-adjusting agent that has the effect of inhibiting coloration caused by the electron-donating organic color-forming compound and the electron-accepting compound, wherein the color-adjusting agent is hydrophilic and can be discolored by water or a liquid containing water.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the difference in solubility parameter (δ) between the electron-accepting compound and the color-adjusting agent is within ±3. 。 3. Solubility of the color adjuster in water (g / 100gH ２ 3. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the .O) is 100 or more at the ambient temperature. thing.

4. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vapor pressure of the color adjusting agent at 20°C is 0.01 mmHg or less. Finished product.

5. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which is held or supported by a predetermined minute particle and can be discolored by water or a liquid containing water, and the predetermined minute particle is characterized in that water or a liquid containing water can come into contact with the composition held or supported by the predetermined minute particle. Coloring agent.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined minute particles are made of a porous material. Coloring agent.

7. The pore volume of the porous material is 0.3 cm ３ / g or more according to claim 6 The coloring agent.

8. Claim 6 or 7, wherein the average pore diameter of the porous material is 20 angstroms or more. The colorant described.

9. Any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the composition held or carried by the predetermined minute particles is a solid or viscous body in the environment of use. The colorant according to claim 1.

10. The method according to claim 9, comprising: forming a liquefied composition by melting and / or dissolving at least an electron-donating organic color former, an electron-accepting compound, and a color-adjusting agent having the effect of preventing coloration by the electron-donating organic color former and the electron-accepting compound; applying the liquefied composition to a predetermined microscopic object; and retaining or supporting the composition in a solidified or viscous state on the predetermined microscopic object. A method for producing a colorant.

11. A colorant according to any one of claims 5 to 9 is held at least on the surface and is changed by water or a liquid containing water. A color-changeable body.

12. A water-absorbent resin powder or other water-absorbent material containing the colorant according to any one of claims 5 to 9. Moisture detection material included.

13. A colorant according to any one of claims 5 to 9, which is mixed in a non-aqueous vehicle containing a solvent and / or a dispersion medium, and a fixing resin for fixing to an object. A coloring material obtained by combining 14. Water or a liquid containing water, to which the coloring material according to claim 13 has been applied and to which at least the colorant has been fixed. A discolorable body that can be discolored by