[rjb]

Hello Chaps,

I was pondering a means of teaching/reinforcing basic GLP protocols yesterday and this brought back a memory from my undergrad days of an azo-coupling reaction which ended in most of class being covered to varying degrees in red dye from touching their lab coats, hair, glasses, faces etc. with contaminated hands!

Although pretty amusing at the time it seems to me that this (or similar) practical might be an excellent way of highlighting poor lab practice and wondered if you had any particular views on this or could suggest alternatives? A very simple practical at the start of the year preferably involving a reaction that produces a strongly coloured but safe product would do the trick nicely...

Any ideas...

Thanks

R

 

[Dan]

That's a great idea.

You could have them synthesise a food colouring, e.g. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allura_Red_AC

[DrCMS]

I'd look at leucomalachite green.  It is colourless initially and oxidises to give the coloured dye.