Physical Chemistry

Colourful Chemistry of CanningEducators may be able to use these anthocyanin experiments to make a connection between the food we eat and the chemical principles that are employed to ensure that canned foodstuffs can be preserved properly.

Cabbage, colours and cleaning products: A citizen science inspired review of anthocyanin extractions that can be attempted at homeCheck out this citizen science inspired review of anthocyanin extractions that can be attempted at home

Home Practical's with Plant Materials

Contributed by Dr. Iain Smellie (University of St. Andrews)

Since the pandemic, Iain and Colleagues have been looking at various things you can do with plant materials that are related to chemistry courses. Their objective was, where possible, work with equipment and chemicals that can be sourced/used at home. A lot of institutions used red cabbage pH indicator as a part of their remote teaching in 2020/2021, we have been looking at other things you can do with this and other flower, fruit, vegetable sources. For those on twitter, #Gardenindicators will highlight lots of lots of inventive approaches and all with minimal equipment from teachers and lab technicians in schools and Universities.

Aqueous red cabbage extracts: More than just a pH indicatorThe use of anthocyanins in red cabbage extracts as pH indicators has long been a popular classroom activity. Flowers, fruits and vegetables contain a diverse range of anthocyanins. This investigation explores further applications of plant-derived dyes including reversible reactions based on oxidation/reduction chemistry and other reactions to illustrate colour changes that are not solely dependent on pH change. By using household materials and plant dyes, this investigation may potentially be completed at home if necessary.

National Teaching Repository - Physical Chemistry Resources