The invention provides a thermal transfer donor element comprising a support layer and a transfer layer supported by the support layer and comprising a binder containing carboxylic acid groups. The transfer layer includes an organic compound containing a plurality of hydroxyl groups with a hydroxyl group concentration of less than 18 mM/g and at least one connecting group, wherein the organic compound is free of any N,N-bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)amide and any rosin ester. In another embodiment, a method of using the donor element is provided, particularly in the manufacture of a color filter.