How was the first artificial dye made? | 16-18 years

A photograph of a woman sorting drying mauve fabric

Source: © Hugh Sitton / Getty Images

Explore organic synthesis and the making of the first artificial dye, mauve, in a lesson plan and directed activity related to text (DART) for 16–18 year olds.

In these activities a directed activity related to text (DART) describes the making of mauve, the first artificial aniline dye, as a setting for organic synthesis. Students compare Perkin’s original patent with a more modern technique, identifying the compounds and methods involved.

These activities will work within a series on aromatic chemistry, providing an historical context for work on reactions of benzene and developing reaction pathways, as well as exploring practical constraints.

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