Are disclosed disazo compounds represented by the general formula (1): ##STR1## wherein A represents a phenylene or naphthylene group which may be optionally substituted; each of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represent independently a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or a phenyl group which may be optionally substituted; and m is 1 or 2. The compounds are highly water-soluble and are stable to long term storage. Ink compositions comprising the compounds of the invention can produce a printed image with full depth of shade and are excellent in resistance to water.