A Chemistry in Art Project: Synthesis, Characterization and Printmaking Applications of Various Azo Dyes
Abstract
The fundamentals of chemistry can be found in various areas outside the realm of the classroom. For example, dyes and pigments are used every day in the textiles industry as well as food coloring. In an effort to connect principles of chemistry and everyday life, this project aims to encompass several chemistry topics while providing students with examples of applications using a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) approach to learning. The synthesis of Orange II Azo Dye proves to be effective in this matter. Orange II Azo Dye is a very popular dye used in the textiles industry. Its facile synthesis is also an attractive tool to teach inorganic and organic chemistry principles. Orange II Azo Dye is the product of a coupling reaction between 2-naphthol and sulfanilic acid. The versatility of the synthesis allows for students to “tweak” the procedures, affording dyes with different shades of orange. The students will isolate and characterize the products using IR and 1H-NMR analysis. In a collaborative effort with GCSU’s art department, students will use the resulting dyes in two types of printmaking ink, one acrylic ink base for screen printing and another linseed oil ink base for intaglio printing. The resulting colored inks will then be used in both the screen printing and intaglio processes.
A Chemistry in Art Project: Synthesis, Characterization and Printmaking Applications of Various Azo Dyes
The fundamentals of chemistry can be found in various areas outside the realm of the classroom. For example, dyes and pigments are used every day in the textiles industry as well as food coloring. In an effort to connect principles of chemistry and everyday life, this project aims to encompass several chemistry topics while providing students with examples of applications using a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) approach to learning. The synthesis of Orange II Azo Dye proves to be effective in this matter. Orange II Azo Dye is a very popular dye used in the textiles industry. Its facile synthesis is also an attractive tool to teach inorganic and organic chemistry principles. Orange II Azo Dye is the product of a coupling reaction between 2-naphthol and sulfanilic acid. The versatility of the synthesis allows for students to “tweak” the procedures, affording dyes with different shades of orange. The students will isolate and characterize the products using IR and 1H-NMR analysis. In a collaborative effort with GCSU’s art department, students will use the resulting dyes in two types of printmaking ink, one acrylic ink base for screen printing and another linseed oil ink base for intaglio printing. The resulting colored inks will then be used in both the screen printing and intaglio processes.