Tag Archives: molecules

Eight molecules that changed the rules of the game: Bakelite

August 25, 2010 – 1:00 pm

Rule changed: it started the world of plastic we live in When it comes to materials for making tools, housing, chariots, and dishes, humanity had only one choice for many thousands of years: use what nature provided. Clay, rocks, metals, resins, rubber, and wood were the most common materials directly available for harvesting. As primitive [...]

By Stefano Borini | Posted in Chemistry | Also tagged , | Comments Off

Eight molecules that changed the rules of the game: Benzene

May 17, 2010 – 7:00 am

Rule changed: stimulated research to explain electronic resonance. Except for its nice regular hexagonal shape, benzene is not a nice compound. It is toxic, carcinogen, highly flammable, burns with a very dirty and smoky flame, and if it is not enough, it made chemists go crazy for one hundred years. The latter point is interesting [...]

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Eight molecules that changed the rules of the game: Urea

April 20, 2010 – 10:49 pm

Rule changed: demonstrated that organic compounds had no mysterious “vital energy” The synthesis of urea is a fascinating and critical event. It sent a shocking quake through many open questions in chemistry, and answered them with a cold hard fact with no chance of misunderstanding. It slain one theory, vitalism, and was in front line [...]

By Stefano Borini | Posted in Chemistry | Also tagged | Comments Off