Chemical uses, chemistry information and industry news
In simple terms, a basic or an alkaline solution has a pH value of above 7. As you probably recall from your secondary school chemistry lessons, a base is a proton acceptor. This means it attracts the hydrogen of an acid during a neutralisation reaction. That means, according to the Brønsted-Lowry definition, a base has a negatively charged ion that...
Acids are solutions that are both corrosive and reactive, especially with metals. They react with bases to form salts in neutralisation reactions. Acids can be organic or inorganic and either strong or weak. They often occur naturally. For example, hydrochloric acid is found in the stomachs of mammals, including humans. Acids are also commonly produced by plants, such as the...
Isomerism is the molecular property of substances that have the same chemical formulas but different molecular arrangements. The molecular structures are almost identical, but in reverse. Isomers are mirror images of each other that cannot be superimposed because some of the elements are located in reversed spatial locations. This property sometimes leads to different chemical behaviours. Specifically, optical isomerism is a...
Alcohol is one of the prehistoric chemical discoveries of humankind, with the earliest archaeological evidence of winemaking dating back to about 8,000 years ago. An analysis of pottery, pollen and chemical residues excavated from a site in Georgia suggests a Stone Age farming community there was making wine as early as 6,000 BC. Although prehistoric, Neolithic people didn’t understand the...
At The Chemistry Blog, we want to inform and educate people about chemistry, the chemical industry, and the uses, benefits, and applications of different chemicals, from methylene chloride to toluene to ethyl alcohol. No matter what it is you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of chemical information here.
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The Chemistry Blog also provides information on specific fields in the chemical industry, from biotechnology to biochemistry to analytical chemistry, and explores the science behind key topics and chemical phenomena, like chemical changes and solubility. Plus, if you’re looking to grapple with more complex subjects, feed your appetite with articles like the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide or the reaction between hydrochloric acid and sodium thiosulphate.
But you don’t have to be a science pro or student to enjoy what we have on The Chemistry Blog. Have you ever wondered about the chemicals in swimming pools or oven cleaners? Do you want to get the most out of that jar of baking soda in your cupboard, or learn how to remove sticky labels using some rubbing alcohol? The Chemistry Blog is home to tons of articles that explore the applications and science behind common household chemicals so that you can better understand the things you use everyday. So, whether you’re a student, a science buff, or simply curious, there’s something for everyone on The Chemistry Blog!
