Seeing Red: A Fresh Look at Iron in Breakfast Cereal

TCE

The Chemical Educator

ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)

Table of Contents

Abstract Volume 10 Issue 5 (2005) pp 346-347

Seeing Red: A Fresh Look at Iron in Breakfast Cereal

Andrew M. Miller^† and Eric Bosch^‡,*

^†Greenwood Laboratory School and Chemistry Department, ^‡Missouri State University, Springfield, MO 65804, erb625f@smsu.edu
Received January 21, 2005. Accepted February 18, 2005.

Published online: 16 August 2005

Abstract. An alternative method for visualizing the iron in breakfast cereal is presented. In this method, the flakes of cereal are treated with an acidic solution of potassium thiocyanate followed by dilute hydrogen peroxide. The flecks of iron, not visible to the human eye, are clearly seen as the blood-red iron thiocyanate complex forms.

Key Words: Laboratories and Demonstrations; general chemistry; iron, breakfast cereal, thiocyanate

(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: erb625f@smsu.edu)

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