Category: Chemistry
Ancient Antibiotic Resurrected
Genetically manipulated bacteria produce the reconstructed original form of vancomycin and co.
400-Year-Old Alchemical Mystery Solved: Why Does Gold Explode Purple?
The substance, first described in 1585, is not only highly explosive, but also produces purple smoke. It has now been proven what is behind the coloration.
Cannabis Damages Cells Essential for Brain Development in Adolescents
This alteration (of microglia) exposes adolescents to increased risk of psychiatric disorders (including schizophrenia) and learning disorders.
Cannabidiol (CBD) Detected in a Plant Other Than Cannabis
The plant in question contains no THC, making it particularly suitable for medical use.
Can You Make Water?
Water synthesized in laboratories is typically not used for practical purposes due to the energy-intensive nature of the hydrogen-oxygen reaction.
The Reason Old Books Smell So Good
Old books have a distinct smell due to the chemical compounds released during the aging of paper, ink, and bindings. These compounds include lignin, which breaks down and emits a sweet, vanilla-like scent, as well as other volatile organic compounds from the materials used in book production.
Electricity and H2O: Conductivity of Water
The conductivity of water refers to its ability to conduct an electric current. It is a measure of how well water can carry electrical charges, specifically the movement of ions (charged particles) within the water. Pure water, in its natural state, is a poor conductor of electricity because it contains very few ions.
Persistence of Vision
Persistence of vision is a phenomenon in which the human eye retains an image for a short moment after the image has disappeared from view. This phenomenon contributes to the perception of continuous motion in animations, film, and other visual media.
Suzuki Reaction: Catalysts, Mechanisms, and Applications
The Suzuki reaction, also known as the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling, is a versatile and widely used chemical reaction in organic synthesis. It involves the cross-coupling of two different boron-containing compounds (organoboron compound and aryl or vinyl halide) in the presence of a palladium catalyst to form a new carbon-carbon (C-C) bond.
Grignard Reagent: Reactions, Preparations, and Beyond
Grignard reagents, named after the French chemist Victor Grignard who discovered them, are a class of organometallic compounds used in organic chemistry for various chemical reactions.