Chemists quickly realised that many molecules contained benzene rings

Dyes were originally extracted from plants or animals

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  A dye is a soluble, organic coloured molecule that is able to bind to a substrate such as a fibre and impart colour to it

Many were too difficult to extract, faded quickly, or did not bind well enough

Alizarin was popular as a bright red compound

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  Was suggested to contain fused benzene rings

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  Alizarin was reduced to anthracene by reaction with zinc powder (removed phenol group)

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  Gave rise to synthesis of alizarin

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  First synthetic route to a natural dye, changed industry