Preparation of a red dye.

After a reaction between an aromatic nitrile, a stong base (potassium tert-butoxide) and something else, a deep blue-purple compound formed (1.-st pics). After diluting it with methanol (2.-nd pics) it turns pink and after when it is acidified with formic acid it turns red (3.-rd pics).

I always loved when a chemical transformation could be seen with my eyes, but sadly this happens rarely. In most cases I start from a white powder or a liquid, it turns yellow/brown/black and after a lot work hopefully I can get another white powder or a transparent liquid.

9:42 pm • 11 November 2014 • 676 notes • View comments