Difference between revisions of "Rosocyanine"

Revision as of 12:05, 20 August 2015

Solution of rosocyanine in concentrated hydrochloric acid. This sample required only 20mg of turmeric powder to produce.

Rosocyanine is an ionic compound produced by the reaction between curcumin, a dye found in the spice, turmeric, and boric acid or borates.

Properties

Chemical

Rosocyanine is a somewhat unstable compound that is prone to decomposition in strongly alkaline conditions or when heated in air, and can be difficult to isolate due to these factors. It briefly produces a deep blue or violet coloration upon addition to strong bases such as ammonia.

Physical

Rosocyanine in pure form is a glassy dark green crystalline substance, but forms deeply red solutions at even very low concentrations. It is only very slightly soluble in lower alcohols and other organic solvents, but solubility increases slightly with the addition of acids.

Availability

As of yet, rosocyanine is not thought to be available to home chemists, most likely stemming from its lack of significant uses for any purpose.

Preparation

Rosocyanine can be produced from a mixed alcoholic solution of boric acid and curcumin via the addition of a strong acid, such as concentrated hydrochloric or sulfuric acids. A brief period of heating may be required, but overheating or boiling can decompose the rosocyanine to pseudo-curcumin. If an orange or weak red coloration is obtained this way, the addition of more acid is necessary.

Projects

• Determine boron content in food and substances

Handling

Safety

Little is known about rosocyanine's effects on organisms.

Storage

Disposal

Rosocyanine is a sensible compound and can be safely disposed of.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads