Question

How was the first synthetic dye discovered?

A) Accidental chemical reaction
B) Through plant experimentation
C) Ancient alchemical practices
D) Volcanic eruption

Answer 1

The first synthetic dye, Mauveine, was discovered by William Henry Perkin in 1856 through an accidental chemical reaction while he was trying to synthesize quinine.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first synthetic dye was discovered through an accidental chemical reaction. In 1856, a young chemist named William Henry Perkin was attempting to synthesize quinine, a drug used to treat malaria, from coal tar. During his experiments, he accidentally created a substance with an intense purple color, which he later commercialized as Mauveine, the first aniline dye.

This accidental discovery marked the beginning of the synthetic dye industry, transforming the textile industry with colors that were more vibrant than those obtained from natural sources like plant dyes. This event also marked the decline of the natural dye industry, as synthetic dyes became more popular due to their durability and the variety of colors available.