the molecules around me

Look around the house, the store, the mall, or where ever you like for chemicals. You need to find 25 organic compounds. You will receive 2 points per compound. Each compound must include the following information to receive any credit:

  1. compound name
  2. molecular formula
  3. molecular structure
  4. type of product in which the chemical was found (i.e. soft drink, soap, shampoo, etc.)

Choose any two of the 25 chemicals you have identified. At least one of the two must have a molar mass greater than 80 g/mol, and one of the two must be an aromatic compound. On pages separate from those for the 25 chemicals, provide the following information for each of the two chemicals:

  1. The name as identified on the product label, any other names used for the compound, and the IUPAC systematic name of the molecule.
  2. Physical data such as melting or boiling point, standard state at room temperature, color, crystalline or amorphous, flash point, ignition temperature, other identifying properties such as the refractive index of liquid. Be thorough.
  3. The reactivity of the compound, its toxicity (if known), and precautions for the safe handling , storage or transportation of the compound.
  4. The role the compound plays in the formulated product, e.g. is it an active ingredient , antioxidant, preservative, emulsion stabilizer etc. To explain its action the chemical effect should be described where possible.
  5. Show in detail two different pathways by which the compound could be synthesied in a laboratory. One of the pathways must have at least three steps in the synthesis.

The write-ups for your two molecules are worth 25 points each.

Your project must be neat, typed (not handwritten), clearly labeled, and easy to follow to receive credit.

There are several valuable reference books that can provide you with the information asked for in this assignment. These books include the "Condensed Chemical Dictionary," "Merck Index," "Handbook of Chemistry and Physics," and "Lange's Handbook of Chemistry."

There are also many resources on the Internet that can help you find the required information. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) always contain molecular formulae and sometimes contain molecular structures. A good place to start is "Where to find MSDS on the Internet." Another interesting site is the "Molecule of the Month" site. Chemfinder.com is also a good place to search, especially for organic structures.

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