Colorful Curry: The Color Changes and Application of Curcumin

Abstract

In this project, curcumin, the main component of daily curry seasoning powder, was used as a raw material to design multilevel popular science experiments, by systematically optimizing its properties of acid-base discoloration, photolysis, ion recognition and solvatochromism for the general public and young kids, the middle school students, and the undergraduates. The chemical principles behind superficial phenomena were explained and uncovered to the public by the common molecules around us. Hence, the idea of chemistry originating from life and benefiting life is expounded vividly, enhancing the public's scientific literacy and stimulating their enthusiasm for exploration.