What is Aspartame? Aspartame is an artificial sweetener composed of two amino acids, phenylalanine and aspartic acid, which are naturally found in many foods. It is 200 times sweeter than sugar in typical concentrations, without the high energy value of sugar. What is Aspartame used for? Similar to other peptides, aspartame has a caloric value […]

What is Biotin? Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, has gained popularity for its potential benefits in promoting healthy hair, skin, and nails. This water-soluble vitamin is a vital nutrient that plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes in the body. Biotin appears as a white or off-white crystalline powder with […]

What is Caesium? Caesium, or cesium (chemical formula: Cs), is a silvery-white, soft metal. It has a relatively low melting point and turns to liquid at temperatures slightly higher than room temperature. Caesium is extremely reactive with air and water—oxidises in air and spontaneously igniting in air containing moisture. Caesium is normally immersed under mineral […]

What is Cannabidiol? Cannabidiol, also commonly referred to as CBD (chemical formula: C21H30O2), appears as a pale yellow resin or crystalline solid. It doesn’t mix well with water, however it is soluble in ethanol, methanol, ether, benzene, chloroform and petroleum ether. While derived from the cannabis plant and makes up 40% of the plant’s extract, […]

What is Ethyl Acetate? Ethyl Acetate (chemical formula: C4H8O2), is a clear/colourless and highly flammable liquid. It has a fruity odour and floats on water.  What is Ethyl Acetate used for? Ethyl acetate has a wide range of applications in various industries, including: Ethyl Acetate Hazards The routes of exposure for ethyl acetate include inhalation, […]

What is Sulfuric Acid? Sulfuric acid is a widely-used acid across industry, and is used in the processing and production of many hundreds of different compounds. It’s a highly corrosive and strong mineral acid with the molecular formula H2SO4, also known as ‘oil of vitriol’. It is a colourless to slightly yellow viscous liquid which […]

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 Isopropyl Alcohol? Isopropyl Alcohol is a clear colourless liquid that is miscible with water, chloroform, ethanol and ether among others. It has a strong odour and is fairly combustible. Given its high volatility, it evaporates quickly when exposed to air. Also known as isopropanol or IPA, it’s a secondary alcohol and finds uses […]

What is Barium? Barium (chemical formula: Ba), is a silvery to yellowish-white coloured, malleable metal. It is lustrous and at room temperatures, its powder form is pyrophoric (spontaneously explode or catch fire).   Barium reacts with water, ammonia, halogens, oxygen and most acids. It oxidises easily and hence, is kept under petroleum or other oxygen-free […]

What is Silica? Silica, or silicon dioxide (chemical formula: SiO2), is a white or colourless crystal or powder. Silica is both odourless and tasteless. Made up of silicon and oxygen, silica is one of the most abundant elements, making up over 50% of the earth’s crust.  What is Silica used for? Silica is used as […]