Chemicals and Solutions:
KOH solution (8 g/ 300 ml water)
10 g dextrose (glucose)
Methylene blue indicator
Materials:
500 ml florence flask with rubber stopper
Procedure:
Put the potassium hydroxide solution in the florence flask and then add the 10 g of dextrose. Stir to dissolve the dextrose and then add six drops of methylene blue. When the indicator is initially added to the dextose/KOH solution, the solution appears blue. The color gradually fades to produce a colorless solution. To restore the color, give the flask one or two vigorous shakes. The color will reappear and then slowly fade.
Discussion:
The reaction: Initially alkaline dextrose reduces methylene blue to form a colorless solution.
Upon shaking, oxygen from the air dissolves in the solution. This oxygen then reoxidizes the dye back to the blue form.
To schedule a demonstration, please send an email to the demonstration lab.
Contact:
Eric Camp
Lecture Demonstration Technician
Bagley Hall 171
(206) 543-1606