Lab 25Date: Red Cabbage Indicator Purpose To prepare and test red cabbage as an indicator. Red cabbage and many other plants contain a water-soluble pigment called anthocyanin. This pigment changes color when it is mixed with an acid or a base. Background

Experiment - Add small pieces of red cabbage to a beaker, add water until it is about half full. Heat the water to a slow boil for about 10 minutes. Remove heat, Add drops of the cabbage indicator to test tubes containing various solutions – see table. Use a tongs to throw away the leaves and clean up test tubes and beaker

Test SolutionsCabbage Indicator Results Identify as Acid, Base or Neutral HCl - Hydrochloric Acid (acid control) Acid NaOH - Sodium Hydroxide (base control) Base Vinegar solution Ammonia solution Ginger Ale Baking Soda* * In a test tube, dissolve a small amount of powder in about 30 mL water Analysis - Results -