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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2002  > July  >
In the Laboratory
A New Glow on the Chromatography of M&M Candies
Kurt R. Birdwhistell and Thomas G. Spence
Department of Chemistry, Loyola University, New Orleans, LA 70118

Cover
July 2002
Vol. 79 No. 7
p. 847

Abstract
This lab experiment for undergraduate or high school students presents the separation and analysis of dyes in the candy shell of M&M chocolate candies. The dyes in the shells of M&Ms are separated using paper chromatography and are identified by comparison of the Rf values, color, and fluorescence properties with those of standard FD&C ([U.S. Federal] Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act) dyes. The experiment introduces students to chromatography of mixtures, compound identification by using Rf values, and fluorescence. They learn about fluorescence and how it appears in everyday substances and can be used to help identify compounds.
Supplement
Notes for the instructor, student materials, and experimental procedures are available.

(Links to these materials follow the images below.)

Images

Figure 1: M&Ms under room light.

 

Figure 2: M&Ms under UV light.

 

Figure 3: Chromatograph of M&M dyes under room light illumination. From left to right: red, blue, green, orange, brown, yellow.

 

Figure 4: Chromatograph of M&M dyes under UV illumination. From left to right: red, blue, green, orange, brown, yellow.

 

Figure 5: Standard FD&C dyes under room light illumination. From left to right: Blue #1, Blue #2, Red #40, Red #3, Yellow #6, Green #3.

 

Figure 6: Standard FD&C dyes under UV illumination. From left to right: Blue #1, Blue #2, Red #40, Red #3, Yellow #6, Green #3.

 

Digital images by
Loyola University photographer Harold F. Baquet


*  Contents JCE2002p0847W.doc (Microsoft Word)
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More Information
*  Citation
Birdwhistell, Kurt R.; Spence, Thomas G. J. Chem. Educ. 2002 79 847.
*  Keywords
Chromatography; Dyes; Fluorescence Spectrometry; Laboratory Instruction; Qualitative Analysis
*  History
Created:
Last Updated:
June 17, 2002
March 16, 2005
  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2002  > July  > Page 847


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