The blue dye indigo can be readily identified using several methods, including liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). However, the sources of natural indigo have not been able to be identified using this and other methods. This presentation describes efforts toward identifying the source of natural indigo. Commonly, solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide are used to extract indigotin and related indigoids from the textiles prior to analysis. While this is successful in removing indigo, it is not as efficient in removing minor compounds that might be indicative of the indigo-producing plant source. In this study, milder extraction methods, such as oxalic acid and methanol, are used to extract compounds from the textiles, which are then analyzed using LC-MS, and compared to traditional solvent extraction methods. Textile samples dyed with three different species of indigo from Africa and Asia - Philenoptera cyanescens, Polygonum tinctorium, and Strobilanthes cusia - are used as models in this investigation. The results of the extraction and LC-MS analysis, including the number and type of different compounds, their masses, and retention times, obtained using various extraction solvents will be shared.

Differentiating sources of indigo in textiles via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

[Author Benefits](https://scimeetings.acs.org/?utm_source=pubs_content_marketing&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=0320_MCF_NPI_Launch_Spring_Homepage&ref=pubs_content_marketing)

[How to use SciMeetings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMeetings-ACSSpring2020-HowToGuide_M3020-Final.pdf)

[Frequently Asked Questions](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMtng_ACSNMSp2020_FAQ_M3120_Final.pdf)

ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.