Chapter 18, Problem 104AP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

How from the reaction which turn leucoindigo to indigo, we know that the leucoindigo is oxidized to form indigo should be explained?

Concept Introduction:

The dye used to manufacture blue jeans is leucoindigo, which is yellow in color. The blue dye indigo is water insoluble. So in dying operation water soluble leucoindigo is used. Therefore the jeans are initially yellow in color, but the dye is oxidized by atmospheric oxygen into indigo which is blue in color.

${\text{Na}}_{\text{2}}{\text{C}}_{\text{16}}{\text{N}}_{\text{2}}{\text{H}}_{\text{10}}{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}\to {\text{C}}_{\text{16}}{\text{N}}_{\text{2}}{\text{H}}_{\text{10}}{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}$.