The chemical breakdown & Chemistry in its element

Solvated electrons: Chemistry in its element 02.02.2017 8:13 ↓

Blue flashes and metallic water are just some of the tricks the smallest possible anion has up its sleeve

Adamantane: Chemistry in its element 26.01.2017 6:47 ↓

Brian Clegg introduces a crystalline hydrocarbon that isn't as tough as it sounds, but is the basis of a wide range of medicines

Pancuronium bromide: Chemistry in its element 19.01.2017 6:40 ↓

On-demand muscle paralysis revolutionised surgery. Katrina Krämer explores one of the key muscle relaxants used in medical procedures: Pancuronium bromide

TCDD or dioxin: Chemistry in its element 11.01.2017 5:31 ↓

The Seveso accident saw an accidental release of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD), commonly known as dioxin. Matt Gunther tells the tragic story.

Orlistat: Chemistry in its element 04.01.2017 4:21 ↓

With thoughts turning to our festively-expanded waistlines, Kit Chapman looks at a poster child in the battle against obesity

Eugenol: Chemistry in its element 21.12.2016 5:15 ↓

Eugenol, the smell most associated with cloves, may be one of the defining smells of Christmas, but it also leads a double life as fish anaesthetic and insect attractant...

Diborane: Chemistry in its element 14.12.2016 4:42 ↓

This week, Neil Withers examines a compound with the 'wrong' number of bonds: Diborane

Diazepam: Chemistry in its element 07.12.2016 4:55 ↓

Jamie Durrani introduces one of the biggest selling pharmaceuticals in history, the 'mother's little helper': Diazepam

Swainsonine: Chemistry in its element 30.11.2016 6:00 ↓

Katrina Krämer investigates the sad case of Christopher McCandless, who some believe consumed the poison swainsonine in the Alaskan wilderness

Bromodeoxyuridine: Chemistry in its element 23.11.2016 5:27 ↓

Kat Arney introduces bromodeoxyuridine, or BrdU, a nucleoside that revolutionised our ability to watch cells grow and divide

Benzoyl peroxide: Chemistry in its element 16.11.2016 3:51 ↓

The whitest smile, the blondest blonde, the clearest complexion – all from one essential compound. Fernando Gomollón-Bel introduces benzoyl peroxide

Butyric acid: Chemistry in its element 09.11.2016 6:13 ↓

Louise Crane reveals the compound that gives American chocolate and wet dogs their distinct aroma

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP): Chemistry in its element 02.11.2016 6:10 ↓

Kat Arney explains how a protein that repairs broken DNA holds the key to killing cancer cells – but only if you stop it from doing its job

Neodymium chloride: Chemistry in its element 26.10.2016 5:26 ↓

From medicine to the military, this compound makes lasers for a range of applications. Brian Clegg discovers neodymium chloride

Gabapentin: Chemistry in its element 19.10.2016 6:25 ↓

Louise Crane documents the rise and fall of gabapentin – from 'wonder drug' to illicit substance in just 50 years

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET): Chemistry in its element 12.10.2016 6:10 ↓

The story of one of the most ubiquitous artificial compounds

BINAP: Chemistry in its element 06.10.2016 6:41 ↓

Katrina Kramer introduces the Nobel prize-winning ligand that will give you just the hand you need: BINAP or 2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1'-binaphthyl

Fluorouracil: Chemistry in its element 28.09.2016 6:34 ↓

 A substitute for one of the bases in DNA that can cause the death of cancer cells

Quaternary ammonium salts: Chemistry in its element 21.09.2016 5:18 ↓

Brian Clegg introduces a family of molecules that first gave fluffy softness to freshly washed clothes

Ergotamine: Chemistry in its element 14.09.2016 6:15 ↓

Ben Valsler finds out why writing  Alice's adventures in Wonderland  was such a headache for Lewis Carroll

Spinel: Chemistry in its element 07.09.2016 5:14 ↓

Find out about the Black Prince's ruby, which is no ruby at all

Aconitine: Chemistry in its element 31.08.2016 5:53 ↓

This powerful poison is said to have the power to transform werewolves and heal snake bites. Brian Clegg unpicks fiction from fact

Raspberry ketone: Chemistry in its element 24.08.2016 8:44 ↓

Is there really a simple, fruity route to weight loss?

Statins: Chemistry in its element 17.08.2016 6:24 ↓

Brian Clegg gets to the heart of the matter on the benefits or otherwise of one of the most commonly prescribed drugs

Ghrelin: Chemistry in its element 10.08.2016 6:01 ↓

Is there a single hormone that causes hunger, and is this it?