Batteries: The bedrock of the sustainable future
Chemistry in its element
In this special podcast produced in partnership with Waters Corporation, find out how understanding the chemistry and materials that go into batteries marks the first step towards making them safer and increasing energy density, and unlocks new opportunities for reuse and recycling
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Cinnamaldehyde: Chemistry in its element
Chemistry in its element
How did a tree bark from Sri Lanka become one of the essential flavours of the festive season? We explore the history of cinnamon and the compound that gives it its distinctive taste and aroma
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Azidoazide azide: Chemistry in its element
Chemistry in its element
A compound so explosively unstable that nobody has been able to measure how sensitive it is without it, well, exploding.
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Ochre: Chemistry in its element
Chemistry in its element
How one of mankind's oldest pigments helped shepherds secure their sheep and inspired one of the most popular songs of the twentieth century
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Maltodextrin: Chemistry in its element
Chemistry in its element
A sweet compound that provides ample energy for extreme endurance events – find out how maltodextrin helped Anna Ploszajski swim the English channel
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Ionic liquids: Chemistry in its element
Chemistry in its element
Liquid salts, ionic melts, fused salts, or ionic glasses – call them what you like, these much-hyped solvents show great promise. Katrina Krämer speaks to chemical engineer Jason Bara about ionic liquids.
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Chlorhexidine: Chemistry in its element
Chemistry in its element
An antimicrobial compound that kills bacteria and viruses quickly – found in some of the most colourful antiseptic solutions
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Asparagusic acid: Chemistry in its element
Chemistry in its element
Does asparagus give you foul-smelling urine? Helen Arney investigates asparagusic acid, and the lavatorial genetic lottery that controls whether or not you can smell its distinctive aroma
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Glycyrrhizic acid: Chemistry in its element
Chemistry in its element
A sweet treat with a deadly trick for Halloween – glycyrrhizic acid, or glycyrrhizin, is found in black liquorice and sweeter than sucrose, but can cause heart problems and even prove fatal if consumed in excess
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Propofol: Chemistry in its element
Chemistry in its element
Also known as 'milk of amnesia', propofol helps to prevent perception of pain in surgery – just don't forget its dangerous side
info_outlineCommon in the US but banned in the EU, this animal feed additive makes for muscular pigs and beefy international trade disputes.