In 1856, chemist William Henry Perkin was attempting to synthesize quinine, a treatment for malaria, in his home laboratory. During his experiments, Perkin oxidized aniline, which resulted in a dark, sticky residue. When he cleaned the flask with alcohol, the residue dissolved to produce a vibrant purple solution. This substance, which he named mauveine, became the world's first commercially successful synthetic dye. Perkin patented the process and established a factory to manufacture the dye, transforming both the textile industry and the field of industrial chemistry.
Based on the text, what is true about William Henry Perkin's discovery of mauveine?
- It occurred during his attempt to synthesize a treatment for malaria.Answer
- BIt was the direct result of his efforts to revolutionize the textile industry.
- CIt happened when he washed a dark residue out of a flask using water.
- DIt was confirmed only after he successfully produced synthetic quinine.
Answer
It occurred during his attempt to synthesize a treatment for malaria.
The text explicitly states that William Henry Perkin was attempting to synthesize quinine, which is a treatment for malaria, when he conducted the experiments that led to the discovery of mauveine. Therefore, the discovery occurred during his attempt to synthesize a treatment for malaria.
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