What is Simazine? Simazine (chemical formula: C7H12ClN5), appears as colourless crystals with a faint odour. It is soluble in water and slightly soluble in organic solvents.  What is Simazine used for? Simazine is a herbicide used to control broadleaf weeds and grasses, working by inhibiting photosynthesis. Simzine is administered on lawns as well as orange, […]

What is Sodium Nitrate? Sodium nitrate, also known as Chile saltpeter (chemical formula: NaNO3), is an odourless and colourless (or white) powder. It is soluble in water, but only slightly soluble in alcohol. Sodium nitrate is extremely bitter or salty in taste.  What is Sodium Nitrate used for? Sodium nitrate is used in the production […]

What is Sodium Bicarbonate? Sodium bicarbonate, more commonly known as baking soda, is a soluble white solid that often appears as a fine powder. It is odourless, non-combustible and slightly salty in taste.  What is Sodium Bicarbonate used for? Sodium bicarbonate has a variety of uses; from domestic to commercial. Domestically, its uses include; baking, […]

What is Acridine? Acridine is a colourless crystalline organic solid that is obtained from coal tar, with a nitrogen heterocycle with the formula C13H9N. Acridines are typically substituted derivatives of the parent ring. Related in a structural sense to anthracene, acridine is a planar molecule, with one of the central CH groups replaced by nitrogen. […]

What is Ethanol? Ethanol is a clear colourless liquid that dissolves readily in water. You might also know it as ethyl-alcohol, grain alcohol or just plain old alcohol. It’s a natural product, produced during fermentation via petrochemical processes or by yeast, and as well as being relatively common here, it’s even been found in interstellar […]

What is Helium? Helium (chemical formula ), is an odourless, colourless and tasteless gas. It is a chemically inert gas, meaning it does not react with other elements. Helium is lighter than air. What is Helium used for? While we are probably most familiar with the use of helium for inflating balloons, helium is actually […]

What is Toluene? Toluene is a clear colourless liquid with a distinctive odour—also known as an aromatic hydrocarbon. It occurs naturally in crude oil and in the tolu tree, making it insoluble in water. It can also be produced in the process of making gasoline. What is Toluene used for? Toluene is most commonly used […]

What is Methoxychlor? Methoxychlor (chemical formula: C16H15Cl3O2), is a white crystalline solid that changes to a tan colour when exposed to light. It does not mix with water, but is soluble in most aromatic solvents. Technical methoxychlor appears as a grey flakey powder.  What is Methoxychlor used for? Before methoxychlor was discovered to be an […]

Diesel is the fuel of choice for most large and demanding engines

Diesel is the fuel of choice for most large and demanding engines