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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2006  > December  >
In the Classroom
JCE Classroom Activity
A Kool Reaction from the Fine Print
Susan A. S. Hershberger and Arlyne M. Sarquis
Center for Chemistry Education, Miami University–Middletown, Middletown, OH 45042
Cover
December 2006
Vol. 83 No. 12
p. 1792A

Abstract
Food and other consumer products are chemicals, too. Ignoring warnings, implied warnings, or fine-print instructions on consumer product labels may change the products. The Kool-Aid soft drink mix package states "Do not store in a metal container". Why? In this activity, students investigate the reduction of artificial food dyes by citric acid-promoted oxidation of a metal (iron) in the form of fine or coarse steel wool. The artificial red and yellow food dyes present in the beverage contain azo linkages (nitrogen–nitrogen double bonds) that are readily reduced to colorless products under mild reducing conditions. Citric acid, which provides tart flavor in the drink, reacts with iron to create the mild reducing conditions. Comparing the reaction times for equal masses of fine and coarse steel wool allows the faster reaction time of the fine steel wool (with more exposed iron atoms) to be observed.
More Information
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Citation
Hershberger, Susan A. S.; Sarquis, Arlyne M. J. Chem. Educ. 2006 83 1792A.
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Keywords
Acids / Bases; Consumer Chemistry; Descriptive Chemistry; Dyes / Pigments; First-Year Undergraduate / General; Food Science; High School / Introductory Chemistry; Oxidation / Reduction; Public Understanding / Outreach; Reactions
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
10/30/2006
10/31/2006
 Caution! 
Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
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