Pyranine

From Sciencemadness Wiki
Revision as of 20:16, 24 December 2015 by Mabus (Talk | contribs)

Jump to: navigation, search
File:B2DdPYTCQAAExs0.jpg
Pyranine fluoresces green in neutral conditions and blue in acidic conditions.

Pyranine is a yellow arylsulfonate dye, commonly found in highlighters, that exhibits strong fluorescence.

Properties

Chemical

The fluorescence of depends on the pH of the solution, which makes it a fluorescent pH indicator. At low pH levels, the color of its fluorescence changes from green to blue. It also acts as a regular pH indicator, and turns from yellow to colorless at the same low pH levels.

Physical

Pyranine is highly soluble in water.

Acquisition

Relatively pure pyranine can be found in highlighters and used as a pH indicator.

Preparation

Projects

  • "Radioactive" color-changing baking soda volcano
  • Lava lamp

Handling

Safety

Pyranine has low toxicity.

Storage

It should be stored in closed containers.

Disposal

Pyranine can be safely poured down the drain.

See also

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads