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Sunday, November 4, 2012

Synthetic Dyes in Candles

Synthetic dyes in almost all candles, what are they and how are they made?
I really didn't know, I don't use dyes. So, my quest for information was on. I found out most dyes use aniline, what's that? First place dictionary, I used World English Dictionary - Definition of Aniline:
"Also called: phenylamine  a colorless oily pungent poisonous liquid used in the manufacture of dyes, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and explosives. Formula: C 6H5NH2" I tried Wikipedia but that was like chemistry 101 for me. I then looked up Encyclopedia Britannica, this is what was written" aniline, an organic base used to make dyes, drugs, explosives, plastics, and photographic and rubber chemicals.
Aniline was first obtained in 1826 by the destructive distillation of indigo. Its name is taken from the specific name of the indigo-yielding plant Indigofera anil (Indigofera suffruticosa); its chemical formula is C6H5NH2.
Aniline is prepared commercially by the catalytic hydrogenation of nitro-benzene or by the action of ammonia on chlorobenzene. The reduction of nitro-benzene can also be carried out with iron borings in aqueous acid." Aniline is used to make dyes but to make it simple, it's a water down version, supposedly not as toxic.  There are other additives (chemicals) like toluidine that are not so good for you either. Then there are Trade Secrets again, not going to find out  exactly how their made, we just have to believe they are safe.Synthetic dyes are in a lot of products, from pharmaceuticals to almost everything.  As for me, I think I'll just enjoy what ever color nature can give me.  If it doesn't have a pretty color I'll use my imagination.

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