Bangs, Crackles & Whistles

The obvious place to start is the bangs of fireworks when they explode into bursts of colour. These can be produced simply by compactedgunpowder, which if suitably confined can give a decent result. However, it’s more common for the ignitionof a specific explosive mixture to be utilised. This ...

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Everyday Compounds

The second in the ‘Everyday Compounds’ series looks at a chemical that the majority of us probably have sitting somewhere in our home. Aluminium chlorohydrate is the active ingredient in many antiperspirants, so how does it work – and why does a casual google search for it bring up a plethora of ...

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Deodorants and antiperspirants are products that the majority of us make use of everyday. The two terms aren’t interchangeable, however; there is a difference in the manner in which they act to reduce body odour. Today’s graphic is a collaboration with ACS Reactions looking at the chemical ...

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in C&EN

Summer’s fast approaching in the northern hemisphere, it seems an appropriate time to be taking a look at the chemistry of sunglasses. What are they made of, how do they protect your eyes, and how do photochromic sunglasses work?

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Element Infographics

The latest in the series of infographics on groups in the periodic table, this one looks at some general information on Group 3. I’m aware that, technically (according to IUPAC) it should be referred to as Group 13.

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The colours in fireworks stem from a wide variety of metal compounds – particularly metal salts. ‘Salt’ as a word conjures up images of the normal table salt you probably use every day; whilst this is one type of salt (sodium chloride), in chemistry ‘salt’ refers to any compound thatcontains ...

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