Skittle Syrup Round 1

Purpose: To prepare a viscous solution of aqueous compounds dissolved in water using Skittles candy, removing as much of the non-aqueous constituents as possible. The intended use of the product is yielding a flavored syrup, for use in beverages.

Materials:
200g Skittles (one flavor)
1 1000mL beaker
1 2000mL separation funnel (pyrex or borosilicate) and ring stand
1 100 mm stemmed glass funnel
1 glass stir rod
1-2 pieces of qualitative filter paper (any size that will fit in funnel)
1 serving vessel of choice ~150-175mL

Procedure:
1. Separate out the 5 different candy flavors in mixing bowls, choosing one flavor per iteration.
2. Add 200g Skittles (approximately 190 candies) and 400mL (approx 1.75 cups) of water in large or medium saucepan.
3. Heat to boiling, stirring to completely dissolve Skittles.
4. Add mixture to separation funnel, leaving room for non-polar layer
5. Add 240mL (1 cup) of heated canola oil to mixture to serve as extraction layer.
6. Using heat protective mitts tilt sep funnel gently 180 degrees, holding the stopper firmly, be careful not to cause an emulsion by introducing turbulence to the mixture. We want it to separate cleanly and evenly.
7. Place sep funnel on ring stand and let stand until layers form (5 min).
8. Take off stopper, and drain aqueous layer into 1000mL beaker to keep. Discard non-polar layer.
9. Repeat if there are any white solids in the mixture.
10. Put a stemmed glass funnel in the top of the sep funnel and fit some wet qualitative filter paper.
11. Pour mixture through filter paper and drain filtered soln into 1000mL beaker.
12. If you have a gas range, you can heat the mixture right in the beaker on medium heat, stirring until the level reaches approximately 150mL.

This is your finished solution, and it should cool to the approximate viscosity of grenadine. I put mine in an oil/vinegar dispenser.

I will try to scale this up to larger quantities, and post results.