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Separation of Food Colorings via Liquid–Liquid Extraction: An At-Home Organic Chemistry Lab

Separation of Food Colorings via Liquid–Liquid Extraction: An At-Home Organic Chemistry Lab
Separation of a purple dye mixture
Summary
This ACS resource is an accessible and safe organic chemistry lab experiment that teaches liquid-liquid and acid-base extraction. The experiment can be completed entirely at home. Students are tasked with separating an unknown mixture of food colorings. The separation can be accomplished using only water, vegetable oil, white vinegar, and baking soda.

Separation of Food Colorings via Liquid-Liquid Extraction: An At-Home Organic Chemistry Lab
Journal of Chemical Education, 2021, 98, 3, 951-957.
Keywords
Organic Chemistry
Extraction
Green Chemistry
Health / Safety
Acid-Base Chemistry
Hands-on Learning
Separation Methods

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Moderation state
Published
Object Type
Laboratory experiment
Journal articles
Audience
Upper/Advanced Undergraduate
Published on
Green Chemistry Principles
Safer Solvents and Auxiliaries
Safer Chemistry for Accident Prevention
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Good Health and Well-Being
Learning Goals/Student Objectives
• Separating components of a mixture using acid-base extraction
• Differentiation between organic and aqueous layers
• Solubility and the concept of "like dissolves like"
Common pedagogies covered
Distance learning/self-instruction
Hands-on learning
Time required (if applicable)
3-4 hours

Submitted by

Nicholas Arnista
Safety Precautions, Hazards, and Risk Assessment
There are few hazards associated with this experiment. The materials are food-safe and disposable. Students are encouraged to wear safety glasses, although these are not necessary. The use of plastic gloves is also recommended.
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Separation of Food Colorings via Liquid–Liquid Extraction: An At-Home Organic C…