Mrs Johnstone's A-Level Chemistry Tuition

Merry Christmas!
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The third candle of advent is the candle of Joy and has the colour pink. Here is some information on the chemistry of pink.
The chemistry of pink encompasses various pigments and indicators that contribute to its color.
Phenolphthalein is a common pH indicator that turns pink under alkaline conditions, with a specific color change occurring between pH 8.30 and 10.00.
In nature, pink pigments are primarily derived from anthocyanins and carotenoids. Anthocyanins are water-soluble compounds that absorb certain wavelengths of light, while carotenoids are fat-soluble pigments that can also contribute to pink hues.
Flamingos have pink feathers due to carotenoid pigments obtained from their diet, while some flowers, like peonies, exhibit pink petals to attract pollinators.
The specific shade of pink can vary based on the concentration of these pigments and the pH of the environment, influencing how they absorb and reflect light.
This combination of chemical compounds and biological processes explains the diverse shades of pink observed in nature and in various applications.
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On the Second Sunday of Advent, when the Peace candle is lit, a Color print advertisement for the Dow Chemical Company depicting a Christmastime scene of a mother and child intended to evoke the bright promise of scientific advancement and ingenuity, i.e. "the chemistry of peace." The image is a reproduction of an original oil painting by artist, illustrator, and inventor Arthur Herschel Lidov (1917-1990).🕯🎄

As part of the chemistry of Advent and Christmas, the second candle of advent is also purple. The first purple candle is the candle of hope and the second purple candle is the candle of peace. Attached is information on the chemistry of purple and a podcast on the chemistry of indigo, sometimes used to make purple dye.

Historically, Tyrian purple was extracted from shellfish of the Murex genus, such as Hexaplex trunculus and Murex brandaris. Extracting purple dye from shellfish was a skill not limited to those living on the shores of the Mediterranean. The color known as Tyrian purple was produced elsewhere, but Phoenicia (present day Lebanon) was famous for the color of its Tyrian purple and became a big production center. The cloth was prized by the Romans, and used in the fine robes of kings and emperors. The most prized shade of Tyrian purple is thought to have been the product of a double-phased process. Two different snail types were found near Tyre, both producing slightly different colors. Cloth could be dipped once in the indigo dye of one type of marine snail, and once in the purple-red dye of another type. The fall of Constantinople in 1453 signaled the end of the large-scale dye industry of Tyrian purple, and cheaper dyes such as madder and lichen purple took over. In addition to Tyrian purple, the Phoenicians also made an indigo dye, extracted from a closely related species of marine snail. This color was known as royal blue or hyacinth purple.

In the mid 19th century, William Perkin produced a synthetic purple known as mauveine, bringing purple within reach of the ordinary citizen. The active chemical constituent of Tyrian purple dye, 6,6’-dibromoindigo, was isolated in the early 20th century.

https://www.chemistryworld.com/podcasts/indigo/3009550.article
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As part of the Chemistry of Advent and Christmas, attached is a poster on the chemistry of the poinsettia plants, often associated with the Christmas arrangements.

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As part of the Chemistry of Advent and Christmas, attached is a poster on the chemistry of coloured glass. Traditionally, Christmas trees are ornated with glass baubles of different colours.

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As part of the Chemistry of Advent and colours, attached is a poster on the chemistry of the colours of auroras that appear during the winter months.

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Part of the Season of Advent, celebrating Christmas, the first candle is purple.
Attached is a poster on the chemistry of different dyes.

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At the start of the Advent Season and the Christmas celebrations, when the first candle was lit yesterday, attached are facts about the chemistry and science of candles.
https://edu.rsc.org/feature/the-chemistry-of-candles/3007566.article🎄🎄🕯🕯

Wishing all my students Good Luck in the new academic year about to start!
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Good luck to all my students in the new academic year about to start!

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