The following paragraphs are from an essay about the accidental discovery of the first synthetic dye. To make the passage most logical and cohesive, in what order should the paragraphs be arranged?
- 1In 1856, eighteen-year-old chemistry student William Henry Perkin was attempting to synthesize quinine, a costly drug used to treat malaria. Working in his home laboratory in London during the Easter break, Perkin oxidized aniline, a derivative of coal tar, using potassium dichromate. Instead of the clear medicine he hoped for, his reaction resulted in a dark, sticky sludge at the bottom of his beaker.
- 2While cleaning the dark residue from the glassware with alcohol, Perkin noticed that the solution turned a vibrant, deep purple. He realized that this accidental substance was remarkably stable, resisting fading when exposed to light or washed with soap. At the time, dyes were derived exclusively from natural sources like insects or roots, making rich colors like purple incredibly expensive to produce.
- 3Perkin's discovery revolutionized the fashion industry, transforming mauve from a rare luxury worn only by royalty to a mainstream sensation. Recognizing the commercial potential of his mistake, he quickly patented the process and established a factory to mass-produce the dye. Within a few years, the color became so popular across Europe that British satirical magazines labeled the craze 'mauve measles.'
- 4Beyond its immediate impact on nineteenth-century fashion, this serendipitous invention laid the groundwork for the modern chemical industry. The techniques Perkin developed to manufacture the synthetic dye were soon applied to the creation of other artificial substances, including pharmaceuticals, photography chemicals, and plastics. Thus, a failed medical experiment ultimately gave birth to a multi-billion-dollar global enterprise.
Answer
The paragraphs should be arranged in the sequence starting with the introduction of the failed quinine experiment, followed by the discovery of the purple residue during cleanup, then the resulting nineteenth-century fashion craze, and concluding with the long-term impact on the modern chemical industry.
The correct sequence begins with the introduction of William Henry Perkin's failed malaria experiment in 1856, which yielded a 'dark, sticky sludge.' The next paragraph naturally details the cleanup process of this 'dark residue,' leading to the discovery of the purple dye. The third paragraph describes the immediate fashion craze and commercialization of the discovery of mauve. The final paragraph concludes by transitioning 'beyond its immediate impact on nineteenth-century fashion' to outline the birth of the modern chemical industry.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Paragraph-Level Transitions