Home
Search

Exam Guide
FAQ
Home Companion
Just Ask Antoine!
Periodic Table
Resources
Tutorials

FSU
Antoine
Chem


Publisher
Project Antoine

Sponsor
Frostburg State University

Staff
F. A. Senese
Dept. of Chemistry

Methyl Orange

Here is the structure of methyl orange in acidic solution:
Methyl orange in acidic solution.
Click the image for a 3D Chime structure.
The molecule absorbs blue-green light, which makes its solution appear red. Notice that the nitrogen bearing the positive charge is involved in a double bond.

In the basic form of methyl orange, a hydrogen ion is lost from the -NN- bridge between the rings, and the electrons formerly used to bind the hydrogen neutralize the positive charge on the terminal nitrogen, so that it is no longer able to pi-bond. Solutions of the methyl orange appear yellow in alkaline solution.
Methyl orange in basic solution.
Click the image for a 3D Chime structure.


General Chemistry Online! Methyl Orange

Copyright © 1997,1998 by Fred Senese
Comments & questions to senese@antoine.frostburg.edu
Last Revised 02/23/18.
URL: http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/features/methylorange.shtml