In collaboration with the Lamar research group, we are trying to understand the electron transfer processes that occur to enable organic dyes to serve as catalysts for different organic reactions. In addition to providing a new breadth of possible catalysts, these dyes are often less expensive and safer. In fact, a recent publication looked at the 7 FDA approved synthetic food dyes and found that several had very good catalytic properties! However, these dyes can catalyze reactions in different ways, often based on their electrochemical properties. Understanding these differences will allow for a broader application of these underutilized catalysts.