Chemical Compounds
10 compounds
Acetamide
C₂H₅NOAcetamide is the simplest amide derived from acetic acid. It is used as a plasticizer, solvent, and industrial chemical intermediate.
Acrylamide
C₃H₅NOAcrylamide is a key monomer for polyacrylamide, used in water treatment and gel electrophoresis. It also forms in starchy foods …
Adenine
C₅H₅N₅Adenine is a purine nucleobase that pairs with thymine in DNA and uracil in RNA. It is one of the …
Adenosine Triphosphate
C₁₀H₁₆N₅O₁₃P₃ATP is the primary energy currency of all living cells. It stores and transfers chemical energy by the hydrolysis of …
Adipic Acid
C₆H₁₀O₄Adipic acid is the most commercially important dicarboxylic acid. It is a key monomer for nylon-6,6 production, combined with hexamethylenediamine. …
Alanine
C₃H₇NO₂Alanine is a non-essential amino acid that is one of the most abundant amino acids in proteins. It plays a …
Alizarin
C₁₄H₈O₄Alizarin is a red dye historically obtained from madder root. The first commercial synthesis of alizarin in 1869 was a …
Alpha-Ketoglutaric Acid
C₅H₆O₅Alpha-ketoglutarate is a key intermediate in the citric acid cycle and plays a central role in amino acid metabolism through …
Aluminum Chloride
AlCl₃Aluminum chloride is a powerful Lewis acid catalyst essential for Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation reactions in organic synthesis.
Aluminum Hydroxide
Al(OH)₃Aluminum hydroxide is an amphoteric substance used as an antacid and fire retardant. It can act as both an acid …
Aluminum Nitride
AlNAluminum nitride has exceptionally high thermal conductivity for a ceramic, making it ideal for electronic substrates and heat sinks in …
Aluminum Oxide
Al₂O₃Aluminum oxide (alumina) is an extremely hard ceramic material. Natural corundum, rubies, and sapphires are crystalline forms of Al₂O₃.
Ammonium Bicarbonate
NH₄HCO₃Ammonium bicarbonate is a leavening agent that decomposes completely to gases when heated, leaving no residue. It is used in …
Ammonium Chloride
NH₄ClAmmonium chloride is a white crystalline salt with many industrial and historical uses. It is used in fertilizers, soldering flux, …
Ammonium Nitrate
NH₄NO₃Ammonium nitrate is a salt used as a high-nitrogen fertilizer and as an oxidizer in explosives. It can detonate if …
Ammonium Persulfate
(NH₄)₂S₂O₈Ammonium persulfate is the most commonly used initiator for free radical polymerization in emulsion and solution polymerizations.
Ammonium Sulfate
(NH₄)₂SO₄Ammonium sulfate is one of the oldest and most widely used nitrogen fertilizers. It provides both nitrogen and sulfur to …
Amoxicillin
C₁₆H₁₉N₃O₅SAmoxicillin is the most commonly prescribed antibiotic worldwide. It is a penicillin derivative with a broader spectrum of activity than …
Aniline Black
C₆H₇NPolyaniline is a conducting polymer discovered in 1862 that changes color with pH and oxidation state. It is one of …
Antimony Trioxide
Sb₂O₃Antimony trioxide is the most important commercial antimony compound, primarily used as a flame retardant synergist with halogenated compounds.
Arginine
C₆H₁₄N₄O₂Arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid that is a precursor to nitric oxide, a key signaling molecule for blood …
Ascorbic Acid
C₆H₈O₆Ascorbic acid, or Vitamin C, is an essential nutrient and powerful antioxidant. Humans cannot synthesize it and must obtain it …
Asparagine
C₄H₈N₂O₃Asparagine was the first amino acid to be isolated, discovered in asparagus juice in 1806. It plays a role in …
Aspartame
C₁₄H₁₈N₂O₅Aspartame is an artificial sweetener about 200 times sweeter than sugar. It is used in over 6,000 food products worldwide.
Aspartic Acid
C₄H₇NO₄Aspartic acid is a non-essential amino acid that plays a key role in the urea cycle and nucleotide synthesis. It …
Aspirin
C₉H₈O₄Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is one of the most widely used medications. It reduces pain, fever, and inflammation by inhibiting COX …
Atorvastatin
C₃₃H₃₅FN₂O₅Atorvastatin (Lipitor) was the best-selling pharmaceutical in history, generating over $125 billion in revenue. It lowers cholesterol by inhibiting HMG-CoA …
Atrazine
C₈H₁₄ClN₅Atrazine is the second most widely used herbicide in the US, primarily on corn. It is banned in the EU …
Barium Carbonate
BaCO₃Barium carbonate is a white powder used in the manufacture of specialty glass, ceramics, and rat poison. It occurs naturally …
Barium Chloride
BaCl₂Barium chloride is a toxic white salt used as a reagent for sulfate testing and in the manufacture of pigments …
Barium Ferrite
BaFe₁₂O₁₉Barium ferrite is the most widely produced permanent magnet material by volume, used in loudspeakers, motors, and magnetic recording media.
Barium Hydroxide
Ba(OH)₂Barium hydroxide is a strong base used in analytical chemistry and organic synthesis. Its reaction with ammonium salts is famously …
Barium Oxide
BaOBarium oxide is a white solid that reacts exothermically with water. It was historically used as a drying agent and …
Barium Sulfate
BaSO₄Barium sulfate is an extremely insoluble salt used as a radiocontrast agent for X-ray imaging and in oil well drilling.
Barium Titanate
BaTiO₃Barium titanate was the first piezoelectric ceramic discovered and is used in capacitors, sensors, and transducers. It has an exceptionally …
Benzoic Acid
C₇H₆O₂Benzoic acid is the simplest aromatic carboxylic acid. Its sodium salt is one of the most common food preservatives worldwide.
Beryllium Oxide
BeOBeryllium oxide has a unique combination of high thermal conductivity and excellent electrical insulation. It conducts heat nearly as well …
Beta-Carotene
C₄₀H₅₆Beta-carotene is the orange pigment in carrots and the most important provitamin A carotenoid. The body converts it to retinol …
Biotin
C₁₀H₁₆N₂O₃SBiotin, or Vitamin B7, is a cofactor for carboxylase enzymes. It is widely marketed as a supplement for hair and …
Bismuth(III) Oxide
Bi₂O₃Bismuth(III) oxide is a bright yellow powder used in ceramics, glass, and as a precursor to other bismuth compounds. It …
Bisphenol A
C₁₅H₁₆O₂Bisphenol A is a chemical used to make polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It has come under intense scrutiny as …
Boric Acid
H₃BO₃Boric acid is a weak, monobasic Lewis acid of boron. It is used as an antiseptic, insecticide, and flame retardant, …
Boron Nitride
BNBoron nitride exists in hexagonal (soft, lubricant) and cubic (ultra-hard) forms, analogous to graphite and diamond. Cubic BN is the …
Boron Trioxide
B₂O₃Boron trioxide is a glassy solid that is one of the most important boron compounds. It is a key component …
Bromothymol Blue
C₂₇H₂₈Br₂O₅SBromothymol blue is a pH indicator that is yellow below pH 6.0 and blue above pH 7.6. It is widely …
Cadmium Oxide
CdOCadmium oxide is a brown-black semiconductor used in cadmium plating and NiCd batteries. It is highly toxic and a known …
Cadmium Sulfide
CdSCadmium sulfide is a bright yellow pigment (cadmium yellow) used in artist paints and a semiconductor used in solar cells …
Caffeine
C₈H₁₀N₄O₂Caffeine is the world's most widely consumed psychoactive substance. It is a purine alkaloid that blocks adenosine receptors, reducing drowsiness.
Calcium Acetate
Ca(C₂H₃O₂)₂Calcium acetate is a calcium salt of acetic acid used medicinally as a phosphate binder for patients with kidney disease. …
Calcium Aluminate Cement
CaO·Al₂O₃Calcium aluminate cement (CAC) sets and hardens much faster than Portland cement and is resistant to high temperatures and chemical …
Calcium Carbide
CaC₂Calcium carbide reacts with water to produce acetylene gas, which powered miners' lamps for decades. It is still used to …
Calcium Carbonate
CaCO₃Calcium carbonate is found in limestone, marble, chalk, and seashells. It is the most common calcium compound in nature.
Calcium Chloride
CaCl₂Calcium chloride is a hygroscopic salt that generates heat when dissolved in water. It is widely used for de-icing and …
Calcium Citrate
Ca₃(C₆H₅O₇)₂Calcium citrate is a calcium supplement with better absorption on an empty stomach than calcium carbonate. It is also used …
Calcium Fluoride
CaF₂Calcium fluoride is found naturally as the mineral fluorite, which displays beautiful fluorescence under UV light — the phenomenon of …
Calcium Hydride
CaH₂Calcium hydride is a drying agent and hydrogen source. It reacts with water to produce hydrogen gas and calcium hydroxide.
Calcium Hydroxide
Ca(OH)₂Calcium hydroxide (slaked lime) is produced by adding water to quicklime. It is used in construction, water treatment, and agriculture.
Calcium Hypochlorite
Ca(OCl)₂Calcium hypochlorite is a powerful oxidizing and bleaching agent sold as a white solid with a strong chlorine smell. It …
Calcium Oxide
CaOCalcium oxide (quicklime) is a white caustic substance produced by heating limestone. It reacts exothermically with water to form slaked …
Calcium Phosphate
Ca₃(PO₄)₂Tricalcium phosphate is the main mineral component of bone and tooth enamel. Hydroxyapatite, its natural form, makes up about 70% …
Calcium Propionate
Ca(C₂H₅COO)₂Calcium propionate (E282) is the most common bread preservative, preventing mold growth while providing calcium. It is naturally present in …
Calcium Silicate
CaSiO₃Calcium silicate is a white powder used in construction materials, food additives, and thermal insulation. It occurs naturally as the …
Calcium Sulfate
CaSO₄Calcium sulfate occurs naturally as gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O) and anhydrite. Plaster of Paris is its hemihydrate form.
Calcium Tungstate
CaWO₄Calcium tungstate (scheelite) is the primary ore mineral for tungsten and fluoresces bright blue-white under UV light. It was used …
Camphor
C₁₀H₁₆OCamphor is a waxy terpene with a strong aromatic odor, obtained from the camphor laurel tree. It has been used …
Caprolactam
C₆H₁₁NOCaprolactam is the monomer used to produce nylon 6, one of the most widely used synthetic polymers. Over 5 million …
Capsaicin
C₁₈H₂₇NO₃Capsaicin is the chemical responsible for the heat in chili peppers. It activates TRPV1 pain receptors, producing a burning sensation …
Catechol
C₆H₆O₂Catechol is a dihydroxybenzene found in many natural polyphenols. It is used in photography, pharmaceutical synthesis, and as an antioxidant.
Cellulose
(C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙCellulose is the most abundant organic polymer on Earth, forming the structural component of plant cell walls. It is a …
Cerium(III) Chloride
CeCl₃Cerium(III) chloride is the most common cerium salt, used in organic synthesis as a Lewis acid catalyst (Luche reduction) and …
Cerium(IV) Oxide
CeO₂Cerium(IV) oxide is the most commercially important compound of cerium, the most abundant rare earth element. It is used as …
Chitosan
(C₆H₁₁NO₄)ₙChitosan is derived from chitin in crustacean shells and is the second most abundant natural polysaccharide after cellulose. It has …
Cholesterol
C₂₇H₄₆OCholesterol is an essential structural component of cell membranes and a precursor to steroid hormones, bile acids, and vitamin D.
Chromium(III) Chloride
CrCl₃Chromium(III) chloride is a purple-green salt used as a catalyst and mordant. Unlike hexavalent chromium compounds, trivalent chromium is relatively …
Chromium(III) Oxide
Cr₂O₃Chromium(III) oxide is a stable green pigment known as chrome green. It is one of the most durable inorganic pigments …
Chromium Trioxide
CrO₃Chromium trioxide is a powerful oxidizer and the source of hexavalent chromium in chrome plating baths. It is the most …
Cisplatin
Pt(NH₃)₂Cl₂Cisplatin is one of the most effective anticancer drugs, used to treat testicular, ovarian, bladder, and many other cancers. It …
Citric Acid
C₆H₈O₇Citric acid is a weak organic acid found in citrus fruits. It is a key intermediate in the Krebs cycle …
Cobalt(II) Chloride
CoCl₂Cobalt(II) chloride changes from blue (anhydrous) to pink (hydrated) with moisture, making it a popular humidity indicator. It is used …
Cobalt(II) Oxide
CoOCobalt(II) oxide is a gray-green powder used as a blue coloring agent in ceramics and glass. It has been used …
Coenzyme A
C₂₁H₃₆N₇O₁₆P₃SCoenzyme A (CoA) is a coenzyme essential for synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids, and the citric acid cycle. Acetyl-CoA …
Congo Red
C₃₂H₂₂N₆Na₂O₆S₂Congo red is an azo dye historically important as the first direct dye for cotton. In medicine, it is used …
Copper(II) Chloride
CuCl₂Copper(II) chloride is a yellow-brown solid that turns green when hydrated. It is used as a catalyst, wood preservative, and …
Copper(II) Nitrate
Cu(NO₃)₂Copper(II) nitrate is a blue crystalline salt that is highly soluble in water. It is used in patina solutions for …
Copper(II) Oxide
CuOCopper(II) oxide is a black solid that occurs naturally as the mineral tenorite. It is used as a pigment, in …
Copper(II) Sulfate
CuSO₄Copper(II) sulfate forms striking blue crystals (pentahydrate form). It is used in agriculture as a fungicide and in crystal growing …
Copper(II) Sulfide
CuSCopper(II) sulfide, or covellite, is a dark blue-black mineral. It is an important copper ore and semiconductor material.
Copper(I) Oxide
Cu₂OCopper(I) oxide is a red powder used in antifouling paint for ship hulls and as a fungicide. It occurs naturally …
Coumarin
C₉H₆O₂Coumarin gives freshly cut hay and tonka beans their sweet vanilla-like scent. It is used in perfumery and as a …
Cysteine
C₃H₇NO₂SCysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid critical for protein structure through disulfide bonds. It is used in food processing and …
Cytosine
C₄H₅N₃OCytosine is a pyrimidine nucleobase that pairs with guanine in both DNA and RNA through three hydrogen bonds. In DNA, …
DDT
C₁₄H₉Cl₅DDT was a revolutionary insecticide that helped eradicate malaria in many countries. It was banned in most nations after Rachel …
Diammonium Phosphate
(NH₄)₂HPO₄Diammonium phosphate (DAP) is the most widely used phosphorus fertilizer in the world. It provides both nitrogen and phosphorus essential …
Diazepam
C₁₆H₁₃ClN₂ODiazepam (Valium) is one of the most prescribed benzodiazepines, used for anxiety, seizures, and muscle spasms. It was the world's …
Dimethyl Terephthalate
C₁₀H₁₀O₄DMT is one of the two main monomers used to produce PET plastic (the other being terephthalic acid). It is …
Dopamine
C₈H₁₁NO₂Dopamine is a catecholamine neurotransmitter that plays a central role in reward, motivation, and motor control. It is synthesized from …
EDTA
C₁₀H₁₆N₂O₈EDTA is a powerful chelating agent that binds metal ions. It is used in medicine to treat heavy metal poisoning …
Ethylene Carbonate
C₃H₄O₃Ethylene carbonate is a cyclic carbonate used as a solvent in lithium-ion battery electrolytes. It has a high dielectric constant …
Ferrocene
Fe(C₅H₅)₂Ferrocene was the first sandwich compound discovered, with an iron atom sandwiched between two cyclopentadienyl rings. Its discovery revolutionized organometallic …
Ferrous Gluconate
C₁₂H₂₂FeO₁₄Ferrous gluconate is an iron supplement with better GI tolerance than ferrous sulfate. It is also used as a food …
Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide
C₂₇H₃₃N₉O₁₅P₂FAD is a redox-active coenzyme involved in many metabolic reactions, especially in the electron transport chain and citric acid cycle.
Fluorescein
C₂₀H₁₂O₅Fluorescein is a synthetic fluorescent dye that glows bright green under UV light. It is used in ophthalmology, water tracing, …
Folic Acid
C₁₉H₁₉N₇O₆Folic acid (Vitamin B9) is essential for DNA synthesis and cell division. Mandatory food fortification has dramatically reduced neural tube …
Fructose
C₆H₁₂O₆Fructose is the sweetest naturally occurring sugar, found abundantly in fruits and honey. It is metabolized primarily in the liver.
Fumaric Acid
C₄H₄O₄Fumaric acid is the trans isomer of butenedioic acid and an intermediate in the citric acid cycle. It is used …
Galactose
C₆H₁₂O₆Galactose is a monosaccharide that combines with glucose to form lactose in milk. Galactosemia is a genetic inability to metabolize …
Gallium Arsenide
GaAsGallium arsenide is a semiconductor with superior electron mobility compared to silicon. It is used in solar cells, LEDs, laser …
Gallium(III) Oxide
Ga₂O₃Gallium(III) oxide is an emerging ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor that could surpass silicon carbide and gallium nitride in power electronics applications.
Germanium Dioxide
GeO₂Germanium dioxide is the most important germanium compound commercially, used in fiber optics, infrared optics, and as a polymerization catalyst …
Glucose
C₆H₁₂O₆Glucose is the primary energy source for cells in all living organisms. It is a monosaccharide (simple sugar) and the …
Glutamic Acid
C₅H₉NO₄Glutamic acid is a non-essential amino acid that is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Its sodium salt, …
Glutamine
C₅H₁₀N₂O₃Glutamine is the most abundant free amino acid in human blood and muscle tissue. It is conditionally essential during stress, …
Glycine
C₂H₅NO₂Glycine is the simplest amino acid and the only one that is achiral (not optically active). It is a major …
Glycolic Acid
C₂H₄O₃Glycolic acid is the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), widely used in skincare for chemical peeling. It has the best skin …
Glyphosate
C₃H₈NO₅PGlyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the world, sold as Roundup. It kills plants by inhibiting an enzyme …
Guanine
C₅H₅N₅OGuanine is a purine nucleobase that pairs with cytosine in both DNA and RNA through three hydrogen bonds. It was …
Histidine
C₆H₉N₃O₂Histidine is a conditionally essential amino acid containing an imidazole side chain. It is the precursor to histamine and plays …
Hydroquinone
C₆H₆O₂Hydroquinone is a depigmenting agent that inhibits melanin production. It is used in skin lightening products and as a photographic …
Hydroxylamine
NH₃OHydroxylamine is a reducing agent and nucleophile used in organic synthesis to produce oximes, hydroxamic acids, and various pharmaceuticals.
Ibuprofen
C₁₃H₁₈O₂Ibuprofen is one of the world's most widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Discovered in the 1960s, it is now …
Imidazole
C₃H₄N₂Imidazole is an aromatic heterocycle found in the amino acid histidine. Many antifungal drugs contain imidazole rings.
Indigo
C₁₆H₁₀N₂O₂Indigo is the oldest known vat dye, used to color blue jeans since 1873. Natural indigo was one of the …
Indium Tin Oxide
In₂O₃·SnO₂Indium tin oxide (ITO) is a transparent conducting oxide used in virtually all touchscreens, LCD displays, and OLED panels. It …
Iron(III) Chloride
FeCl₃Iron(III) chloride is a dark, hygroscopic compound used as a water treatment agent and printed circuit board etchant.
Iron(II,III) Oxide
Fe₃O₄Magnetite (Fe₃O₄) is the most magnetic naturally occurring mineral on Earth. It is the oldest known magnetic material and was …
Iron(III) Oxide
Fe₂O₃Iron(III) oxide, commonly known as rust or hematite, is a reddish-brown solid. It is the most common iron ore and …
Iron(III) Sulfate
Fe₂(SO₄)₃Iron(III) sulfate is a yellow-brown salt used in water treatment as a coagulant and in etching printed circuit boards.
Iron(II) Oxide
FeOIron(II) oxide (wustite) is a non-stoichiometric black mineral. It is thermodynamically unstable and tends to disproportionate to iron and Fe₃O₄.
Iron(II) Sulfate
FeSO₄Iron(II) sulfate (ferrous sulfate) is used as an iron supplement and in water treatment. Its green vitriol form has been …
Iron(II) Sulfide
FeSIron(II) sulfide occurs naturally as troilite and pyrrhotite. It is used to generate hydrogen sulfide in laboratory settings and in …
Isoleucine
C₆H₁₃NO₂Isoleucine is a branched-chain essential amino acid crucial for hemoglobin synthesis and blood sugar regulation.
Kaolinite
Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄Kaolinite is a clay mineral used in paper coating, ceramics, and medicine. Kaolin clay gives porcelain its white color and …
Kevlar
(C₁₄H₁₀N₂O₂)ₙKevlar is an aramid fiber five times stronger than steel by weight. Invented by Stephanie Kwolek in 1965, it is …
Lactose
C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁Lactose is the primary sugar in milk, composed of glucose and galactose. About 65% of the global population has reduced …
Lanthanum Oxide
La₂O₃Lanthanum oxide is used in optical glass, catalytic converters, and as a phosphate binder in medicine. It is a key …
Lead(II) Oxide
PbOLead(II) oxide, or litharge, is a yellow to reddish crystalline powder. It has been used in lead-acid batteries, ceramics, and …
Lead(II) Silicate Glass
PbO·SiO₂Lead crystal glass contains 24-35% lead oxide, giving it high refractive index, brilliance, and a clear ringing tone. It has …
Lead(II) Sulfide
PbSLead(II) sulfide, or galena, is the most important ore of lead and was one of the first semiconductors discovered. Ancient …
Lead Zirconate Titanate
Pb(Zr,Ti)O₃PZT is the most widely used piezoelectric ceramic material, found in sensors, actuators, and ultrasound transducers. It converts mechanical stress …
Leucine
C₆H₁₃NO₂Leucine is a branched-chain essential amino acid important for muscle protein synthesis. It is the most abundant amino acid in …
Lithium Aluminum Hydride
LiAlH₄LiAlH4 (LAH) is one of the most powerful reducing agents in organic chemistry. It reduces esters, carboxylic acids, and amides …
Lithium Carbonate
Li₂CO₃Lithium carbonate is the most important lithium compound commercially. It is used to treat bipolar disorder and in lithium-ion battery …
Lithium Cobalt Oxide
LiCoO₂LiCoO₂ was the first commercially successful lithium-ion battery cathode, used in smartphones and laptops since 1991. It offers high energy …
Lithium Fluoride
LiFLithium fluoride is a white crystalline salt notable for its extremely low solubility compared to other alkali metal halides. It …
Lithium Hydroxide
LiOHLithium hydroxide is a strong base used in spacecraft and submarines to scrub CO₂ from air. It absorbs CO₂ more …
Lithium Iron Phosphate
LiFePO₄LFP is a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries offering excellent safety, cycle life, and cost compared to cobalt-based cathodes. It …
Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide
LiNi₀.₃₃Mn₀.₃₃Co₀.₃₃O₂NMC is the most widely used cathode chemistry in electric vehicle batteries. Different Ni:Mn:Co ratios trade off energy density against …
Lithium Niobate
LiNbO₃Lithium niobate is a crystal with exceptional electro-optic, piezoelectric, and nonlinear optical properties. It is called the 'silicon of photonics'.
Lycopene
C₄₀H₅₆Lycopene is the red pigment in tomatoes and watermelons. It is one of the most potent antioxidant carotenoids and may …
Lysine
C₆H₁₄N₂O₂Lysine is an essential amino acid critical for collagen formation, calcium absorption, and immune function. It is the most limiting …
Magnesium Carbonate
MgCO₃Magnesium carbonate occurs naturally as the mineral magnesite. It is used as a drying agent, antacid, and in athletic chalk …
Magnesium Chloride
MgCl₂Magnesium chloride is the primary source of magnesium metal via electrolysis. It is also used as a road de-icer, tofu …
Magnesium Hydroxide
Mg(OH)₂Magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia) is a weak base commonly used as an antacid and laxative.
Magnesium Oxide
MgOMagnesium oxide is a white hygroscopic solid with an extremely high melting point. It is used as an antacid and …
Magnesium Silicate
Mg₃Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂Talc (hydrous magnesium silicate) is the softest known mineral, rated 1 on the Mohs hardness scale. Its layered crystal structure …
Magnesium Sulfate
MgSO₄Magnesium sulfate is commonly known as Epsom salt (in its hydrated form MgSO₄·7H₂O). It is used in bath salts and …
Maleic Acid
C₄H₄O₄Maleic acid is the cis isomer of butenedioic acid and a key industrial chemical. Its anhydride is one of the …
Maleic Anhydride
C₄H₂O₃Maleic anhydride is a key industrial chemical used to make unsaturated polyester resins, coatings, and agricultural chemicals.
Malic Acid
C₄H₆O₅Malic acid is responsible for the sour taste of green apples. Its name derives from Latin 'malum' (apple) and it …
Maltose
C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁Maltose, or malt sugar, is a disaccharide formed from two glucose units. It is produced during the germination of grains, …
Manganese Dioxide
MnO₂Manganese dioxide is a black mineral that occurs naturally as pyrolusite. It is the primary cathode material in alkaline and …
Mannitol
C₆H₁₄O₆Mannitol is a sugar alcohol used medically to reduce intracranial and intraocular pressure. It occurs naturally in seaweed, mushrooms, and …
Melamine
C₃H₆N₆Melamine is used to produce melamine resin (used in laminates like Formica) and melamine foam (Magic Eraser). It gained infamy …
Melatonin
C₁₃H₁₆N₂O₂Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in response to darkness that regulates the circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle). …
Menthol
C₁₀H₂₀OMenthol is a cyclic monoterpene alcohol that activates cold-sensitive TRPM8 receptors, producing a cooling sensation. It is extracted from mint …
Mercury(I) Chloride
Hg₂Cl₂Calomel (Hg₂Cl₂) was historically used as a medicine, laxative, and teething powder despite its toxicity. It is now mainly used …
Mercury(II) Sulfide
HgSMercury(II) sulfide occurs naturally as cinnabar, a brilliant red mineral used as a pigment since ancient times. It was the …
Metformin
C₄H₁₁N₅Metformin is the most prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes worldwide. Originally derived from French lilac, it is now being …
Methionine
C₅H₁₁NO₂SMethionine is an essential sulfur-containing amino acid that serves as the initiator of protein synthesis in all eukaryotic cells.
Methylene Blue
C₁₆H₁₈ClN₃SMethylene blue is a synthetic dye with important medical applications. It is used to treat methemoglobinemia and is on the …
Molybdenum Disulfide
MoS₂Molybdenum disulfide is a layered compound with excellent lubricating properties. Its layers can slide over each other like graphite, making …
Molybdenum Trioxide
MoO₃Molybdenum trioxide is the primary industrial source of molybdenum. It is used as a catalyst, pigment, and precursor for molybdenum …
Monosodium Citrate
C₆H₇NaO₇Monosodium citrate is a food additive used as an acidity regulator and sequestrant. It is commonly used in beverages and …
Monosodium Glutamate
C₅H₈NNaO₄MSG is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, widely used as a flavor enhancer that imparts umami taste. It was …
Monosodium Phosphate
NaH₂PO₄Monosodium phosphate is a food additive used as an emulsifier, leavening acid, and buffering agent. It is also used in …
Morphine
C₁₇H₁₉NO₃Morphine is the prototypical opioid analgesic, isolated from opium in 1804. It remains the gold standard against which all painkillers …
Naphthalene
C₁₀H₈Naphthalene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with a characteristic mothball odor. It consists of two fused benzene rings.
Naproxen
C₁₄H₁₄O₃Naproxen is an NSAID with a longer duration of action than ibuprofen, allowing twice-daily dosing. It was prescription-only until 1994 …
Neodymium(III) Oxide
Nd₂O₃Neodymium oxide is the precursor for neodymium metal used in the strongest permanent magnets. These NdFeB magnets are in every …
Niacin
C₆H₅NO₂Niacin, or Vitamin B3, is essential for metabolism. Its deficiency causes pellagra, which was epidemic in the American South in …
Nickel(II) Oxide
NiONickel(II) oxide is a green-black crystalline solid used in ceramics, nickel alloy production, and as a catalyst. It exhibits interesting …
Nickel(II) Sulfate
NiSO₄Nickel(II) sulfate is the most important nickel salt commercially, primarily used in electroplating and nickel-cadmium battery production.
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide
C₂₁H₂₇N₇O₁₄P₂NAD+ is a coenzyme central to metabolism, found in every living cell. It carries electrons in redox reactions and is …
Niobium Pentoxide
Nb₂O₅Niobium pentoxide is used in high-refractive-index optical coatings, capacitors, and as a catalyst. Niobium is considered a critical raw material.
Nomex
(C₁₄H₁₀N₂O₂)ₙNomex is a heat-resistant aramid fiber used in firefighter gear, race car driver suits, and electrical insulation. It does not …
Nylon-6,6
(C₁₂H₂₂N₂O₂)ₙNylon-6,6 was the first commercially successful synthetic polymer, developed by Wallace Carothers at DuPont in 1935. It revolutionized the textile …
Omeprazole
C₁₇H₁₉N₃O₃SOmeprazole was the first proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and revolutionized the treatment of acid reflux and stomach ulcers. It reduces …
Osmium Tetroxide
OsO₄Osmium tetroxide is a powerful oxidizing agent used to stain biological tissue for electron microscopy and to dihydroxylate alkenes in …
Oxalic Acid
C₂H₂O₄Oxalic acid is the simplest dicarboxylic acid, found naturally in many plants including rhubarb and spinach. It is used as …
Oxaloacetic Acid
C₄H₄O₅Oxaloacetate is essential for the citric acid cycle, condensing with acetyl-CoA to form citrate. It also serves as a gluconeogenesis …
Palladium(II) Chloride
PdCl₂Palladium(II) chloride is a key starting material for palladium catalysts used in cross-coupling reactions that won the 2010 Nobel Prize …
Palmitic Acid
C₁₆H₃₂O₂Palmitic acid is the most common saturated fatty acid found in animals, plants, and microorganisms. It was first discovered in …
Paracetamol
C₈H₉NO₂Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is the most commonly used medication for pain and fever worldwide. Its exact mechanism of action remains partially …
Penicillin G
C₁₆H₁₈N₂O₄SPenicillin G was the first antibiotic discovered, by Alexander Fleming in 1928 from the mold Penicillium notatum. It works by …
Periodic Acid
HIO₄Periodic acid is a powerful and selective oxidizer that cleaves 1,2-diols. It is essential in carbohydrate chemistry for structural analysis.
PETN
C₅H₈N₄O₁₂PETN is one of the most powerful commonly available explosives and the active component of detonating cord. It is also …
Phenol
C₆H₅OHPhenol (carbolic acid) was the first surgical antiseptic used by Joseph Lister in 1865. It is now used primarily in …
Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin
(C₇H₆O₂)ₙBakelite, the first fully synthetic plastic, is a phenol-formaldehyde resin invented in 1907. It launched the Age of Plastics and …
Phenolphthalein
C₂₀H₁₄O₄Phenolphthalein is the most famous acid-base indicator, turning pink in basic solutions. It was also used as a laxative until …
Phenylacetic Acid
C₈H₈O₂Phenylacetic acid is an organic acid with a honey-like odor that is a precursor to penicillin G. It is a …
Phenylalanine
C₉H₁₁NO₂Phenylalanine is an essential aromatic amino acid and a precursor to tyrosine, dopamine, and adrenaline. People with phenylketonuria (PKU) cannot …
Phosphoric Acid
H₃PO₄Phosphoric acid is a weak triprotic acid commonly used in soft drinks and fertilizers. It gives cola beverages their characteristic …
Phosphorus Pentoxide
P₄O₁₀Phosphorus pentoxide is the most powerful desiccant (drying agent) known. It is so hygroscopic that it reacts violently with water, …
Phthalic Acid
C₈H₆O₄Phthalic acid is an aromatic dicarboxylic acid primarily used to make phthalate plasticizers and polyester resins. Its anhydride is a …
Phthalic Anhydride
C₈H₄O₃Phthalic anhydride is one of the most important industrial organic chemicals, used to make plasticizers, alkyd resins, and dyes.
Platinum(IV) Chloride
PtCl₄Platinum(IV) chloride is a reddish-brown salt used as a catalyst precursor. Platinum catalysts are essential in automotive catalytic converters and …
Plutonium Dioxide
PuO₂Plutonium dioxide is used in mixed oxide (MOX) nuclear fuel and in radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) that power deep space …
Polyacrylonitrile
(C₃H₃N)ₙPolyacrylonitrile (PAN) is the primary precursor for carbon fiber production, accounting for about 90% of all carbon fiber made.
Polycarbonate
(C₁₆H₁₄O₃)ₙPolycarbonate is an extremely tough, transparent thermoplastic. It is virtually unbreakable under normal conditions, with impact resistance 250 times that …
Polyethylene
(C₂H₄)ₙPolyethylene is the most widely produced plastic in the world, with annual production exceeding 100 million tonnes. It comes in …
Polyethylene Terephthalate
(C₁₀H₈O₄)ₙPET is one of the most recycled plastics worldwide. It is clear, strong, and lightweight, making it ideal for beverage …
Polyhydroxybutyrate
(C₄H₆O₂)ₙPHB is a biodegradable polyester produced naturally by bacteria as an energy storage material. It is being developed as an …
Polylactic Acid
(C₃H₄O₂)ₙPLA is a biodegradable polymer made from corn starch or sugarcane. It is the most widely used bioplastic, found in …
Polymethyl Methacrylate
(C₅H₈O₂)ₙPMMA (Plexiglas/Lucite) is a transparent thermoplastic often used as a lightweight, shatter-resistant alternative to glass.
Polypropylene
(C₃H₆)ₙPolypropylene is the second most widely produced plastic polymer. It has excellent chemical resistance, elasticity, and fatigue resistance. It can …
Polystyrene
(C₈H₈)ₙPolystyrene is a versatile plastic that can be rigid or foamed. Expanded polystyrene (Styrofoam) is 95-98% air, giving it excellent …
Polytetrafluoroethylene
(C₂F₄)ₙPTFE, marketed as Teflon, has the lowest coefficient of friction of any known solid. The strong C-F bonds make it …
Polyurethane
(C₃H₂NO)ₙPolyurethane is one of the most versatile polymers, produced as flexible foam, rigid foam, coatings, adhesives, and elastomers.
Polyvinyl Chloride
(C₂H₃Cl)ₙPolyvinyl chloride is the third most widely produced plastic polymer. It is inherently rigid and flame-resistant but can be made …
Potassium Aluminum Sulfate
KAl(SO₄)₂Potash alum is a double salt used in water purification, pickling, and as an astringent. It has been used since …
Potassium Bitartrate
KHC₄H₄O₆Potassium bitartrate, known as cream of tartar, is a byproduct of winemaking that crystallizes in wine barrels. It is the …
Potassium Carbonate
K₂CO₃Potassium carbonate, or potash, is historically one of the most important industrial chemicals. It is used in glass making, soap …
Potassium Chloride
KClPotassium chloride is a salt used as a fertilizer and salt substitute. It is the most common potassium compound in …
Potassium Chromate
K₂CrO₄Potassium chromate is a bright yellow salt used as an indicator in argentometric titrations and as a corrosion inhibitor.
Potassium Cyanide
KCNPotassium cyanide is an extremely toxic salt that has been used in gold mining, electroplating, and organic synthesis. It is …
Potassium Dichromate
K₂Cr₂O₇Potassium dichromate is a bright orange crystalline oxidizing agent used in analytical chemistry and industrial processes.
Potassium Feldspar
KAlSi₃O₈Potassium feldspar (orthoclase) is the most common mineral in Earth's crust. It is essential in ceramic and glass manufacture.
Potassium Ferricyanide
K₃[Fe(CN)₆]Potassium ferricyanide is a bright red salt used in blueprint photography, electroplating, and as a mild oxidizing agent. Despite containing …
Potassium Ferrocyanide
K₄[Fe(CN)₆]Potassium ferrocyanide is a yellow salt commonly used as an anti-caking agent in table salt (E536). It is much less …
Potassium Hydrogen Tartrate
KHC₄H₄O₆Cream of tartar is a byproduct of winemaking that crystallizes inside wine barrels. It is used in baking as a …
Potassium Hydroxide
KOHPotassium hydroxide (caustic potash) is a strong base used in liquid soaps, biodiesel production, and alkaline batteries.
Potassium Iodate
KIO₃Potassium iodate is used for iodization of salt in many developing countries because it is more stable than potassium iodide …
Potassium Iodide
KIPotassium iodide is a salt used to protect the thyroid gland from radiation and to treat iodine deficiency. It is …
Potassium Nitrate
KNO₃Potassium nitrate (saltpeter) is a key component of gunpowder and an important fertilizer. It provides both potassium and nitrogen to …
Potassium Permanganate
KMnO₄Potassium permanganate is a powerful oxidizing agent that produces deep purple solutions. It is used in water treatment and organic …
Potassium Persulfate
K₂S₂O₈Potassium persulfate is a powerful oxidizer used to initiate free radical polymerization and as a PCB etchant. It decomposes to …
Potassium Phosphate Dibasic
K₂HPO₄Dipotassium phosphate is a highly soluble salt used as a fertilizer, food additive, and buffer in biological research.
Potassium Sorbate
C₆H₇KO₂Potassium sorbate (E202) is a widely used food preservative effective against molds and yeasts. It is considered one of the …
Potassium Sulfate
K₂SO₄Potassium sulfate is a premium potassium fertilizer preferred for chloride-sensitive crops like tobacco, grapes, and citrus.
Potassium Thiocyanate
KSCNPotassium thiocyanate is a colorless salt used as a reagent to detect iron(III) ions, producing a characteristic blood-red color.
Potassium Titanyl Phosphate
KTiOPO₄KTP is a nonlinear optical crystal used to frequency-double Nd:YAG lasers, producing green 532 nm light. It is the crystal …
Proline
C₅H₉NO₂Proline is unique among the standard amino acids as it has a cyclic side chain bonded to both the nitrogen …
Purine
C₅H₄N₄Purine is the parent compound of adenine and guanine, two of the five nucleobases in DNA and RNA. Purines are …
Pyridoxine
C₈H₁₁NO₃Pyridoxine, or Vitamin B6, is involved in over 100 enzyme reactions in amino acid metabolism. It is one of the …
RDX
C₃H₆N₆O₆RDX is a powerful military explosive more potent than TNT. It is a key component of C-4 plastic explosive and …
Resorcinol
C₆H₆O₂Resorcinol is a dihydroxybenzene isomer used in dermatology to treat acne, eczema, and dandruff. It is also used in adhesive …
Retinol
C₂₀H₃₀ORetinol (vitamin A) is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for vision, immune function, and cell growth. It is the immediate precursor …
Rhodium(III) Chloride
RhCl₃Rhodium(III) chloride is the most common rhodium compound, used as a catalyst precursor. Rhodium is essential in automotive catalytic converters.
Riboflavin
C₁₇H₂₀N₄O₆Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that functions as a component of the coenzymes FAD and FMN. These …
Saccharin
C₇H₅NO₃SSaccharin was the first artificial sweetener, discovered in 1879. It is about 300-400 times sweeter than sugar with a slightly …
Salicylic Acid
C₇H₆O₃Salicylic acid is derived from willow bark and is the precursor to aspirin. It is widely used in skincare products …
Samarium Cobalt
SmCo₅Samarium cobalt magnets were the first rare earth permanent magnets developed. They retain their magnetism at higher temperatures than neodymium …
Serine
C₃H₇NO₃Serine is a non-essential amino acid important for phospholipid synthesis and protein phosphorylation. Its name derives from the Latin word …
Serotonin
C₁₀H₁₂N₂OSerotonin is a monoamine neurotransmitter primarily found in the gastrointestinal tract (about 90%), blood platelets, and central nervous system. It …
Silicon Carbide
SiCSilicon carbide is an extremely hard ceramic used as an abrasive (carborundum) and increasingly as a wide-bandgap semiconductor for EV …
Silicon Dioxide
SiO₂Silicon dioxide (silica) is the most abundant mineral in Earth's crust. Quartz, sand, and glass are all forms of SiO₂.
Silver Chloride
AgClSilver chloride is a white solid that darkens on exposure to light, a property exploited in photography for over 150 …
Silver Nitrate
AgNO₃Silver nitrate is a versatile compound used in photography, medicine, and analytical chemistry. It stains skin and organic materials black.
Sodium Acetate
CH₃COONaSodium acetate is the sodium salt of acetic acid, used in food preservation, heating pads, and as a buffer. Supersaturated …
Sodium Alginate
(C₆H₇NaO₆)ₙSodium alginate is a natural polysaccharide from brown seaweed used as a thickener, gelling agent, and in molecular gastronomy for …
Sodium Aluminate
NaAlO₂Sodium aluminate is an important intermediate in the Bayer process for producing alumina from bauxite ore. It is formed when …
Sodium Azide
NaN₃Sodium azide is a white crystalline salt that decomposes rapidly when heated, producing nitrogen gas. This property makes it the …
Sodium Benzoate
C₇H₅NaO₂Sodium benzoate (E211) is the most widely used food preservative globally, found in soft drinks, condiments, and cosmetics. It inhibits …
Sodium Bicarbonate
NaHCO₃Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is a mild base used in cooking, cleaning, and medicine. It decomposes above 50°C releasing CO₂.
Sodium Borohydride
NaBH₄Sodium borohydride is a milder and safer reducing agent than LiAlH4. It selectively reduces aldehydes and ketones while leaving esters …
Sodium Borosilicate Glass
Na₂O·B₂O₃·SiO₂Borosilicate glass (Pyrex) has excellent thermal shock resistance and chemical durability. It is used in laboratory glassware, cookware, and telescope …
Sodium Bromide
NaBrSodium bromide is a white crystalline salt used in drilling fluids, photography, and as a pharmaceutical sedative. It was the …
Sodium Carbonate
Na₂CO₃Sodium carbonate (washing soda/soda ash) is a water-soluble salt used in glass making and as a water softener.
Sodium Chloride
NaClSodium chloride (table salt) is the most common salt, essential for human life. It forms cubic crystals and is abundant …
Sodium Chromate
Na₂CrO₄Sodium chromate is a bright yellow salt and powerful oxidizer used in corrosion inhibition, leather tanning, and as a chromium …
Sodium Cyanide
NaCNSodium cyanide is the primary reagent for gold extraction in mining, consuming about 90% of global cyanide production.
Sodium Dichromate
Na₂Cr₂O₇Sodium dichromate is an important industrial chemical used primarily in the production of chromium compounds and in metal finishing. It …
Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
C₁₈H₂₉NaO₃SSodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) is the most widely used anionic surfactant in household detergents. It replaced soap for most cleaning applications.
Sodium Erythorbate
C₆H₇NaO₆Sodium erythorbate (E316) is the sodium salt of erythorbic acid, used as an antioxidant in processed meats to accelerate curing …
Sodium Fluoride
NaFSodium fluoride is the fluoride compound most commonly added to water supplies and toothpaste for dental cavity prevention.
Sodium Hexafluorophosphate
NaPF₆NaPF₆ is being researched as an electrolyte salt for sodium-ion batteries, a cheaper alternative to lithium-ion batteries using abundant sodium.
Sodium Hexametaphosphate
(NaPO₃)₆SHMP is a polyphosphate used as a water softener, sequestrant, and food additive. It prevents calcium scale formation in pipes …
Sodium Hydride
NaHSodium hydride is a powerful base and reducing agent used extensively in organic synthesis. It reacts vigorously with water, releasing …
Sodium Hydroxide
NaOHSodium hydroxide (lye/caustic soda) is a strong base widely used in industry. It is highly caustic and can dissolve organic …
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
C₁₂H₂₅NaO₄SSodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is one of the most widely used anionic surfactants. It creates the foamy lather in toothpaste, …
Sodium Metabisulfite
Na₂S₂O₅Sodium metabisulfite is a powerful reducing agent and preservative used in wine making, food preservation, and water treatment.
Sodium Nitrate
NaNO₃Sodium nitrate (Chile saltpeter) is a naturally occurring mineral used in fertilizers, food preservation, and historically in explosives.
Sodium Nitrite
NaNO₂Sodium nitrite is the primary curing agent for meat, giving hot dogs and bacon their pink color and preventing botulism. …
Sodium Perborate
NaBO₃Sodium perborate is a stable source of active oxygen used as a bleaching agent in laundry detergents and teeth whitening …
Sodium Percarbonate
2Na₂CO₃·3H₂O₂Sodium percarbonate is an eco-friendly bleaching agent that releases hydrogen peroxide when dissolved. It is the active ingredient in OxiClean.
Sodium Periodate
NaIO₄Sodium periodate is a selective oxidizing agent that cleaves carbon-carbon bonds between vicinal diols. It is indispensable in carbohydrate chemistry.
Sodium Permanganate
NaMnO₄Sodium permanganate is a powerful oxidizer with much higher water solubility than potassium permanganate, making it useful for water treatment.
Sodium Peroxide
Na₂O₂Sodium peroxide is a powerful oxidizer that reacts vigorously with water to produce NaOH and oxygen. It was used in …
Sodium Phosphate Tribasic
Na₃PO₄Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is a powerful cleaning agent and degreaser. It was once common in household detergents before environmental regulations …
Sodium Polyacrylate
(C₃H₃NaO₂)ₙSodium polyacrylate is a superabsorbent polymer that can absorb 300-800 times its weight in water. It is the key material …
Sodium Silicate
Na₂SiO₃Sodium silicate (water glass) is an inorganic compound used as an adhesive, sealant, and fire retardant. Its solution is alkaline …
Sodium Stannate
Na₂SnO₃Sodium stannate is the sodium salt of stannic acid, used as an alkaline tin plating electrolyte and as a flame …
Sodium Stearate
C₁₈H₃₅NaO₂Sodium stearate is the most common soap, formed by the saponification of fats with sodium hydroxide. It has a hydrophilic …
Sodium Sulfate
Na₂SO₄Sodium sulfate (Glauber's salt in hydrated form) is used in detergent manufacturing and the kraft process for paper pulping.
Sodium Sulfite
Na₂SO₃Sodium sulfite is a white solid used as a food preservative and antioxidant. It is the most common sulfiting agent …
Sodium Tetraborate
Na₂B₄O₇Borax is a natural boron mineral used in cleaning products, glass making, and as a flux. It has been mined …
Sodium Thiosulfate
Na₂S₂O₃Sodium thiosulfate (hypo) was essential in analog photography as a photographic fixer. It also neutralizes chlorine in water.
Sodium Tripolyphosphate
Na₅P₃O₁₀STPP is the most commonly used detergent builder, softening water by sequestering calcium and magnesium ions. It is restricted in …
Sodium Tungstate
Na₂WO₄Sodium tungstate is used as a fireproofing agent for fabrics and as a reagent in analytical chemistry. It also serves …
Sorbitol
C₆H₁₄O₆Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol found naturally in many fruits. It is used as a low-calorie sweetener, humectant, and pharmaceutical …
Starch
(C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙStarch is a polysaccharide that plants use to store energy. It consists of two polymers: amylose (linear) and amylopectin (branched). …
Stearic Acid
C₁₈H₃₆O₂Stearic acid is one of the most common saturated fatty acids found in animal and vegetable fats. It is widely …
Stevioside
C₃₈H₆₀O₁₈Stevioside is a natural sweetener extracted from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana, about 250-300 times sweeter than sugar. It has …
Strontium Carbonate
SrCO₃Strontium carbonate is used in the production of specialty glass for cathode ray tubes and in ceramic ferrite magnets. It …
Strontium Oxide
SrOStrontium oxide is a strong base that reacts with water to form strontium hydroxide. It is used in CRT glass …
Succinic Acid
C₄H₆O₄Succinic acid is a dicarboxylic acid that plays a key role in the citric acid cycle. It is increasingly produced …
Sucralose
C₁₂H₁₉Cl₃O₈Sucralose is an artificial sweetener made by chlorinating sucrose, about 600 times sweeter than sugar. It passes through the body …
Sucrose
C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁Sucrose (table sugar) is a disaccharide composed of glucose and fructose. It is extracted from sugar cane and sugar beets.
Superphosphate
Ca(H₂PO₄)₂Single superphosphate was the first commercial fertilizer, produced since the 1840s. It provides both phosphorus and calcium to crops.
Talc
Mg₃Si₄O₁₀(OH)₂Talc is the softest known mineral (Mohs hardness 1) and the primary ingredient in talcum powder. It is used in …
Tantalum Pentoxide
Ta₂O₅Tantalum pentoxide is a high-dielectric material used in electronic capacitors and as an anti-reflective coating for camera lenses. It is …
Tartaric Acid
C₄H₆O₆Tartaric acid occurs naturally in grapes and is a key component of wine. It is used in food as an …
Terephthalic Acid
C₈H₆O₄Terephthalic acid (TPA) is the most widely produced aromatic dicarboxylic acid, with over 80 million tonnes produced annually for PET …
tert-Butanol
C₄H₁₀Otert-Butanol is unique among butanol isomers as it is a solid near room temperature. It is used as a solvent …
Theobromine
C₇H₈N₄O₂Theobromine is the primary alkaloid in cocoa and chocolate. It is the reason chocolate is toxic to dogs, who metabolize …
Theophylline
C₇H₈N₄O₂Theophylline is a methylxanthine found in tea and used to treat asthma by relaxing bronchial smooth muscle. It is chemically …
Thiamine
C₁₂H₁₇N₄OS⁺Thiamine, or Vitamin B1, is essential for glucose metabolism. Its deficiency causes beriberi, a disease that plagued Asian populations dependent …
Threonine
C₄H₉NO₃Threonine is an essential amino acid important for immune function, gut health, and collagen production. It was the last of …
Thymine
C₅H₆N₂O₂Thymine is a pyrimidine nucleobase found exclusively in DNA, where it pairs with adenine through two hydrogen bonds. It is …
Thymol
C₁₀H₁₄OThymol is a natural monoterpene phenol found in thyme oil. It has been used as an antiseptic since ancient Egyptian …
Tin(II) Chloride
SnCl₂Tin(II) chloride, or stannous chloride, is a strong reducing agent used in tin plating, as a mordant in dyeing, and …
Tin(II) Oxide
SnOTin(II) oxide is a blue-black solid used in tin plating and as a reducing agent. It is an amphoteric oxide …
Tin(IV) Oxide
SnO₂Tin(IV) oxide is the most important tin ore (cassiterite) and has been mined since the Bronze Age. It is a …
Titanium Dioxide
TiO₂Titanium dioxide is the most widely used white pigment due to its brightness and high refractive index. It is used …
Titanium Nitride
TiNTitanium nitride is an extremely hard gold-colored ceramic coating used on cutting tools, medical implants, and decorative applications.
Trinitrotoluene
C₇H₅N₃O₆TNT is a yellow solid explosive that is one of the most commonly used military and commercial explosives. Despite being …
Tryptophan
C₁₁H₁₂N₂O₂Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that the body cannot synthesize. It is the biosynthetic precursor to serotonin (the 'happy …
Tungsten Carbide
WCTungsten carbide is one of the hardest known materials, nearly as hard as diamond. It is the primary material for …
Tungsten Trioxide
WO₃Tungsten trioxide is a yellow powder that is the primary intermediate in tungsten metal production. It is reduced with hydrogen …
Tyrosine
C₉H₁₁NO₃Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid and precursor to dopamine, adrenaline, noradrenaline, and melanin. Its name comes from the Greek …
Uracil
C₄H₄N₂O₂Uracil is a pyrimidine nucleobase found in RNA but not DNA. It pairs with adenine through two hydrogen bonds. In …
Uranium Dioxide
UO₂Uranium dioxide is the standard nuclear fuel used in most commercial nuclear reactors. It has a remarkably high melting point …
Urea
CO(NH₂)₂Urea is the main nitrogen-containing waste product of protein metabolism in mammals. It was the first organic compound synthesized from …
Uric Acid
C₅H₄N₄O₃Uric acid is the end product of purine metabolism in humans. High blood levels cause gout — painful crystal deposits …
Valine
C₅H₁₁NO₂Valine is a branched-chain essential amino acid named after the plant valerian. It is important for muscle metabolism and tissue …
Vanadium(IV) Oxide Sulfate
VOSO₄Vanadyl sulfate is a blue vanadium compound used in redox flow batteries and studied as a potential anti-diabetic agent mimicking …
Vanadium Pentoxide
V₂O₅Vanadium pentoxide is a yellow to red crystalline solid that is the most important commercial vanadium compound. It is the …
Vanadium(V) Oxide
V₂O₅Vanadium pentoxide is the most important industrial vanadium compound, primarily used as a catalyst for sulfuric acid production by the …
Vanillin
C₈H₈O₃Vanillin is the primary flavor compound in vanilla and the world's most popular flavoring agent. Over 85% of commercial vanillin …
Xenon Difluoride
XeF₂Xenon difluoride was one of the first noble gas compounds discovered, shattering the belief that noble gases could not form …
Xylitol
C₅H₁₂O₅Xylitol is a sugar alcohol with a sweetness similar to sucrose but 40% fewer calories. It is widely used in …
Yttrium Barium Copper Oxide
YBa₂Cu₃O₇YBCO was the first material discovered to superconduct above the boiling point of liquid nitrogen (77 K). Its discovery in …
Yttrium Oxide
Y₂O₃Yttrium oxide is a white powder used in YAG lasers, phosphors for TVs, and as a stabilizer for zirconia ceramics.
Zeolite A
Na₁₂Al₁₂Si₁₂O₄₈Zeolite A is a synthetic aluminosilicate with precisely sized pores (4 angstrom) that act as a molecular sieve. It replaced …
Zinc Chloride
ZnCl₂Zinc chloride is one of the most soluble salts known. It is a powerful Lewis acid used in organic synthesis …
Zinc Oxide
ZnOZinc oxide is a white powder used in sunscreens, rubber, ceramics, and electronics. It is one of the most versatile …
Zinc Sulfate
ZnSO₄Zinc sulfate is used as a dietary supplement, in agriculture as a fertilizer, and in the production of rayon fiber.
Zinc Sulfide
ZnSZinc sulfide is a luminescent material that forms the basis of many phosphorescent and fluorescent products. It occurs naturally as …
Zirconium Dioxide
ZrO₂Zirconium dioxide is a white crystalline oxide with the highest melting point of any metal oxide. In its cubic form …