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EXPERIMENT NO.2

THE SCENT OF MIXTURES (Making of Scented Gel Air Fresheners)

Objectives:

By the end of this experiment, students should be able to:

1. Understand the concept of mixtures and how di4erent substances interact to form a gel.
2. Explore the role of gelatin in creating a semi-solid structure.
3. Investigate the e4ect of di4erent fragrance concentrations on scent diffusion.
4. Develop a practical air freshener using accessible laboratory and household materials.

Materials:

• Beaker (250 mL)

Chemical and Household Materials:

• Water – 200 mL
• Unflavored gelatin – 14 g
• Table salt (sodium chloride) – 1 tablespoon
• Vinegar (acetic acid) or lemon juice (citric acid) – 1 teaspoon
• Essential oils or fragrance oils – ½ to 1 teaspoon
• Food coloring – a few drops
• Small glass jars, plastic cups, or Petri dishes
• Dried flowers, beads, or glitter
Procedure:

Part 1: Preparing the Gel Base

1. Measure 150 mL of water in a beaker and heat it on a hot plate or Bunsen burner to approximately 60-
70°C (not boiling).
2. Gradually sprinkle the gelatin powder into the heated water while stirring continuously with a glass rod
until fully dissolve. Stir in 1 tablespoon of table salt and 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to prevent
microbial growth.
3. Turn o4 the heat and allow the solution to cool for about 2-3 minutes.

Part 2: Scent and Color Addition

4. Incorporate Fragrance: Add 10–15 drops (about ½ to 1 teaspoon) of your chosen essential oil. Stir well to
distribute the scent evenly.
5. Enhance with Color (Optional): Add 2–3 drops of food coloring to create a visually appealing gel. Stir
gently.

Part 3: Setting the Gel and Final Touches

6. Pour the Mixture into Containers: Use a funnel to transfer the liquid gel into small glass jars, plastic
cups, or Petri dishes.
7. Decorate (Optional): While the gel is still in liquid form, add dried flowers, beads, or glitter for an artistic
touch.
8. Allow to Set: Let the gel sit at room temperature for 4-6 hours or refrigerate for faster setting.

Guide Questions:

1. What is the primary role of gelatin in making a scented gel air freshener?
2. What role does salt play in this experiment?
3. Why do we add vinegar or lemon juice to the mixture?
4. What factors a4ect the strength and longevity of the scent?
5. What happens if you increase or decrease the amount of gelatin used?
6. Why do air fresheners lose their scent over time? How can this be prevented?
7. Can you suggest other substances that could replace gelatin for creating a gel-based air freshener?

Expected Results and Observations:

References

Brown, T. L., LeMay, H. E., Bursten, B. E., Murphy, C. J., & Woodward, P. (2018). Chemistry: The central
science(14th ed.). Pearson.

Madsen, S. R., & Jones, K. D. (2020). Chemistry in the kitchen: Exploring food and cooking through
science. Cambridge University Press.

National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2021). Chemical properties and interactions of essential
oils in air fresheners. Retrieved from [Link]

Smith, J. A. (2019). Understanding colloids: The science behind gels, foams, and emulsions. Oxford
University Press.

United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2022). Indoor air quality and fragrance diffusion: Health
and safety considerations. Retrieved from [Link]
Stir in 1 tablespoon of table salt and 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to prevent microbial growth.
9. Turn o4 the heat and allow the solution to cool for about 2-3 minutes.

Part 2: Scent and Color Addition

10. Incorporate Fragrance: Add 10–15 drops (about ½ to 1 teaspoon) of your chosen essential oil. Stir
well to distribute the scent evenly.
11. Enhance with Color (Optional): Add 2–3 drops of food coloring to create a visually appealing gel.
Stir gently.

Part 3: Setting the Gel and Final Touches

12. Pour the Mixture into Containers: Use a funnel to transfer the liquid gel into small glass jars,
plastic cups, or Petri dishes.
13. Decorate (Optional): While the gel is still in liquid form, add dried flowers, beads, or glitter for an
artistic touch.
14. Allow to Set: Let the gel sit at room temperature for 4-6 hours or refrigerate for faster setting.

Guide Questions:

8. What is the primary role of gelatin in making a scented gel air freshener?
9. What role does salt play in this experiment?
10. Why do we add vinegar or lemon juice to the mixture?
11. What factors a4ect the strength and longevity of the scent?
12. What happens if you increase or decrease the amount of gelatin used?
13. Why do air fresheners lose their scent over time? How can this be prevented?
14. Can you suggest other substances that could replace gelatin for creating a gel-based air freshener?

Expected Results and Observations:

Conclusion:
References:

Alfafara and Lanuza (2008), Chemistry 1. Laboratory Guide, OLFU.

Mapa, A., et al., 2004, Laboratory Manual and Workbook in Science and Technology III, Chemistry
Manila: Vibal Publishing House Inc.