MadSci Network: Chemistry
Query:

Re: why are some chemicals kept in brown bottles?

Date: Fri Jul 1 13:00:16 2005
Posted By: Peter Fichte, Faculty, Chemistry, Coker College
Area of science: Chemistry
ID: 1119618924.Ch
Message:

Dear lindapaul:

The simplest answer is that the brown color acts as a filter for light which might otherwise stimulate a chemical reaction causing the material being stored in the bottle to decompose, deteriorate, or change form by what is called an oxidation-reduction reaction.

Check out this website to see the types of "damage" that can be done by light: http://www.nedcc.org/plam3/tleaf24.htm

Another interesting website shows the relationship between light and color changes in glass: http://library.kcc.hawaii.edu/external/chemistry/everyday_photo_oxid.html

Finally, check out this website to see the relationship between light and photography: http://www.cheresources.com/photochem.shtml

Most sincerely,
P.M.Fichte
Coker College
300 East College Avenue
Hartsville, South Carolina


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