Multiple choice general knowledge

In 1856, English chemist William Perkin, hoping to improve the treatment of malaria, set himself the task of producing artificial quinine in his home laboratory. Although the effort failed, Perkin succeeded in creating quite a different product instead. What was it?

  1. The first commercial bug repellant

  2. The first food preservative

  3. The first synthetic dye

  4. The first transparent plastic
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

William Perkin accidentally created mauveine, the first synthetic dye, while attempting to synthesize quinine. This purple dye revolutionized the textile industry and launched the synthetic chemical industry. The original goal of malaria treatment failed, but the discovery had enormous commercial impact.

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