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 […]

What is Argon? Argon (chemical formula: Ar), is a colourless and odourless compressed gas that is very slightly soluble in water. Argon is chemically inert (it does not react with other chemicals) and one of the most abundant gases, making up almost 1% of the Earth’s atmosphere.  What is Argon used for? Argon is most […]

What is Boron? Boron (chemical formula: B), is an odourless black solid or brown powder/crystals. Boron is insoluble in water, alcohol and ether, but soluble in concentrated nitric and sulfuric acids.  Turkey is the largest producer of boron. What is Boron used for? Boron and its compounds, boric acid, borax and boric oxide, are used in […]

What is Manganese? Manganese (chemical formula: Mn), is a steely-grey coloured, lustrous, hard and brittle metal. Manganese is soluble in dilute acid. The Earth’s crust is made up of approximately 0.1% manganese. What is Manganese used for? Manganese is used to manufacture metals such as steel, aluminum, copper, nickel and iron—improving their resistance to corrosion. […]

What is Propylene? Propylene (chemical formula: C2H4), also known as propene, is a liquefied compressed gas with a mild odour. It forms a dense vapour cloud in normal atmospheric conditions, and is soluble in alcohol and ether, but only slightly soluble in water. It floats and boils on water. What is Propylene used for? Propylene […]

What is Sodium Cyanide? Sodium cyanide (chemical formula: NaCN), also known as cyanogram, is a white solid chemical that is soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol. It has a slightly bitter almond odour, similar to that of hydrogen cyanide, but it can also be odourless when completely dry. In its solid form, sodium […]

What is Iodine? Iodine (chemical formula: I₂), is a volatile and light sensitive substance that appears as black crystals. It has an irritating odour and a sharp and acrid taste. Iodine is soluble in water, benzene, ethanol and several other organic solvents.  What is Iodine used for? Iodine is essential for humans, with the body […]

What is Sodium Hypochlorite? Sodium hypochlorite (chemical formula; NaClO), appears as white crystals with an unpleasant odour. It is soluble in cold water, however it decomposes in hot water. It is a strong oxidising agent that is highly unstable when exposed to the air unless it is mixed with sodium hydroxide.  What is Sodium Hypochlorite […]

What is Ethylene Dichloride? Ethylene dichloride (chemical formula: C2H4Cl2), is a colourless and oily liquid with a chloroform odour and sweet taste. Ethylene dichloride mixes well with most common solvents and it is slightly soluble in water. It is a flammable and toxic chemical.  What is Ethylene Dichloride used for? Ethylene dichloride is used in […]

What is Butane? Butane (chemical formula: C4H10), is a colourless liquified gas, with a natural gas to odourless smell. Butane is stable and does not react with water or metals. It is soluble in alcohol, ether and chloroform. Butane is packed as a liquid under pressure, but sudden release of pressure may result in rapid […]