Using Iodine as an Indicator

sciencemom — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:44:18 +0000

In our “Vitamin C-itrus” project, students are shown how to make a Vitamin C indicator using corn starch and water. The instructions call for 2% or 10% iodine. Sometimes parents try to find the iodine at a science supply store. This isn’t necessary; regular antiseptic iodine will work, as long as it is not the decolorized type.

Using iodine as an indicator is an easy but fascinating way to show the presence of vitamin C.

If you’re interested in doing this project, visit “24 Hour Science Projects“.

Vitamin C – Using an Indicator

sciencemom — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:43:01 +0000

When you mix Iodine and Vitamin C (the scienctific name is ascorbic acid), something interesting happens; the solution turns blue for a bit, then returns to the color of the juice. Keep adding the iodine, however, and the mixture will turn a very inky dark blue color. Why is this? Here’s a kid friendly explanation?

Iodine and vitamin C like each other, and when they are put in the same container, they will combine. When you are adding the iodine to the juice and the starch mixture, as long as there is still vitamin C that has not been combined with the iodine, the color will stay the color of the juice, but after you reach the equivalence point- when you have added as much iodine as there is vitamin C – then the iodine starts combining with the cornstarch. When iodine combines with cornstarch it turns blue.

And if you’re doing our award winning experiment Vitamin “C”itrus, here’s a hint: the more iodine it takes, the more vitamin C there is.

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24 Hour Science Projects » indicator

Using Iodine as an Indicator

Vitamin C – Using an Indicator