Engaging Students in Real-World Chemistry through Synthesis and Confirmation of Azo Dyes via Thin Layer Chromatography To Determine the Dyes Present in Everyday Foods and Beverages

In order to make science more appealing to students, it is imperative that a real-world approach to the principles of chemistry be taught in the classroom enabling students to see the applicability of chemistry to their everyday lives. In this laboratory activity, students were asked to bring in everyday food items that contain food dyes. The students then synthesized the FD&C dyes yellow 5 and yellow 6. The dyes were then run, along with their food items, on a TLC plate in order to determine what dyes were present in the foods and drinks they consume.