Blue (B), yellow (Y), red (R), and green (G) color-changing
dye
was used in a general chemistry course for first-year undergraduate
students with nonscience majors to highlight the redox reactions written
as the gain and loss of hydrogen. The first experiment is a vibrant
color variation using a synthetic dye of indigo carmine. The second
experiment is dyeing using the natural colorant of dry Japanese indigo
leaves that have been used to make indigo-colored fabrics with a centuries-old
method. The third experiment is a color change achieved using fresh
Japanese indigo leaves. The three indigo-based experiments give a
clear appearance, an experience regarding a traditional process, and
a facile method, respectively. The visual impact and historical process
that starts from surrounding natural materials makes a significant
impression on students. The course contents were introduced in a lesson
within 30 min to empower the teaching of redox reactions by showing
oxidized and reduced forms of the indigo dye chromophore. The outcome
was that an increasing number of students could explain the definition
of oxidation in organic reactions in terms of the gain or loss of
hydrogen.