Colors to Dye for: Preparation of Natural Dyes

In this Activity, students extract colored compounds from onion skins and blueberries, use them to dye white cloth, and investigate ways to change the color and prevent it from washing out. The Activity ties into the history of dyes. A study of the structures of dye molecules can be integrated into a discussion of organic chemistry and functional groups. Some natural dyes are acid-base indicators and can be incorporated into a section on acid-base chemistry. Discussion of mordants can be included in an introduction to metal complexes.