The Chemistry Blog

Chemical uses, chemistry information and industry news

What Are Common vs. Trade Names of Chemicals?

Common names of chemicals are determined by cultural and historical factors, whereas trade names generally refer to the substance’s chemical name.The latter is typically based on the scientific standard nomenclature, the almost universally accepted standard of which is the IUPAC nomenclature, or the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry nomenclature.Trade names of chemicals may also refer to brand names,...

What is The Purpose of Absolute Ethanol?

Absolute ethanol, also known as anhydrous ethanol, is used mainly as a reagent in synthetic organic chemistry and chromatography. It has a purity level of almost 100% alcohol. As ethanol is highly miscible with water, it can dissolve many types of organic compounds. This includes both polar and non-polar compounds such as hexane. Thanks to its versatility, absolute ethanol has a...

What Is Ultrapure Water?

Ultrapure water, or UPW, is a high-grade water that’s free from impurities like microbes, minerals, and dissolved gases. It only contains H2O molecules and has a purity level of, or very near, 100%.Water must undergo a stringent process for it to become ultrapure and free of any dissolved or suspended organic and inorganic compounds. Ultrapure or highly purified water (HPW)...

5 Chemicals You Probably Didn’t Know You Use Every Day

Many of the consumer products we use on a daily basis contain chemical ingredients that might sound strange and unfamiliar. Yet some of these chemicals, including those found in cleaning, hygiene, and personal care products, are actually very common. In most cases, we’re more familiar with the commercial brand rather than the chemical or generic name. These are the five key...

Potassium Hydroxide: Uses, Formula, Dangers & More

Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is an odourless, white or yellow inorganic compound that’s usually in flaky or lumpy solid form at room temperature. It’s often used to make liquid soap, although KOH has many other household and industrial applications too. For example, it’s a common component in liquid drain cleaners and paint and varnish removers. Potassium hydroxide is also used as an...

Top 10 Most Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace

While many chemicals in the workplace may seem innocuous, some of them can pose a significant hazard. Knowing which ones are hazardous and how to handle hazardous chemicals properly can help to prevent injuries and any chronic detrimental effects. Here we look at the top 10 most hazardous chemicals in the workplace, including:Arsenic Lead Benzene Chromium Toluene Cadmium Zinc Mercury ...

What is Monopropylene Glycol?

Monopropylene glycol – also known simply as propylene – is a viscous, colourless liquid with a distinct sweet taste (but please don’t drink it). Almost odourless, it’s both miscible with water and hygroscopic, i.e. it attracts and absorbs moisture. The chemical formula of monopropylene glycol is C3H8O2, which can also be written as: CH3CH(OH)CH2OH This formula tells us that it has two alcohol...

What is Potassium Hydroxide?

Potassium hydroxide (KOH) - which you might also hear called caustic potash or lye - is an inorganic compound. Just like other strong bases, it’s highly caustic and completely dissociates into ions when dissolved in water.The other seven strong bases include:LiOH (lithium hydroxide) NaOH (sodium hydroxide) Ca(OH)2 (calcium hydroxide) CsOH (caesium hydroxide) Sr(OH)2 (strontium hydroxide) RbOH (rubidium hydroxide) Ba(OH)2...

Is Potassium Hydroxide Harmful to the Environment?

Just like many inorganic substances, potassium hydroxide doesn’t contain degradable functional groups. This means that it does not have a detrimental impact on the biological oxygen demand in water.It does, however, dissociate into ions when dissolved in water, which can elevate the pH level of systems that do not have sufficient buffers. If a large quantity of an alkaline substance...

About The Chemistry Blog

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 isopropyl alcohol and buffers to standard solutions. No matter what it is you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of chemical information here.

The Chemistry Blog is also home to a massive range of educational resources. Whether you’re studying for your upcoming GCSE or A level exam, or want to know more about how to pursue a degree in chemistry, there’s a wealth of information at your fingertips. Beyond this, our series of articles on apprenticeships in the chemical industry help equip aspiring scientists with the knowledge they need to take that next step in their career.

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 titration and distillation. 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!

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What Are Common vs. Trade Names of Chemicals?