Parallel Combinatorial Synthesis of Azo Dyes

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Featured Molecules

William F. Coleman Wellesley College Wellesley, MA 02481

Parallel Combinatorial Synthesis of Azo Dyes November Featured Molecules The featured molecules for this month are from “Parallel Combinatorial Synthesis of Azo Dyes: A Combinatorial Experiment Suitable for Undergraduate Laboratories” by Benjamin W. Gung and Richard T. Taylor (pages 1630–1632). The principle of combinatorial chemistry is illustrated by generating a relatively large number of colorful dyes using only one common reaction, the diazo coupling, and two

common reactants with small variations. In the experiment, the positions of the laboratory are divided into a grid (see Table 1 from the article reproduced below). Each student produces a unique azo dye, whose structure is coded according to his or her lab bench position. Fully manipulable (Chime) versions of these and other molecules are available at the Only@JCE Online Web site: http://www.JCE.DivCHED.org/JCEWWW/Features/ MonthlyMolecules/2004/Nov

Table 1. Illustration of the Parallel Combinatorial Synthesis of Azo Dyes

a

A

B

C

D

1

A1 (orange II)a

B1

C1

D1 (American flag red)

2

A2

B2

C2

D2 (magneson II)

3

A3

B3

C3

4

A4

B4

C4

D3 (solochrome orange M)

D4 (Easter purple)

Colors in parentheses are certified colors in the United States.

1680

Journal of Chemical Education

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Vol. 81 No. 11 November 2004

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www.JCE.DivCHED.org