Chemical Compounds
10 compounds
1,2-Dichloroethane
C₂H₄Cl₂1,2-Dichloroethane (EDC) is produced in larger quantities than any other chlorinated organic compound. Over 95% is converted to vinyl chloride …
1,3-Butadiene
C₄H₆1,3-Butadiene is a key monomer for synthetic rubber including styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) used in automobile tires.
1,4-Dioxane
C₄H₈O₂1,4-Dioxane is a cyclic ether used as a stabilizer in chlorinated solvents. It is a widespread groundwater contaminant and probable …
1-Butanol
C₄H₁₀O1-Butanol is a primary alcohol used as an industrial solvent and potential biofuel. It has a characteristic banana-like odor.
2-Propanol
C₃H₈OIsopropyl alcohol is a widely used solvent and disinfectant. It is the main ingredient in rubbing alcohol and many hand …
Acetaldehyde
CH₃CHOAcetaldehyde is a volatile organic compound and a metabolic intermediate in alcohol metabolism. It is responsible for many symptoms of …
Acetamide
C₂H₅NOAcetamide is the simplest amide derived from acetic acid. It is used as a plasticizer, solvent, and industrial chemical intermediate.
Acetic Anhydride
C₄H₆O₃Acetic anhydride is a versatile acetylating agent essential for producing aspirin, cellulose acetate, and heroin. It is a closely monitored …
Acetone
(CH₃)₂COAcetone is the simplest ketone and one of the most versatile solvents. It evaporates quickly and is used as nail …
Acetonitrile
C₂H₃NAcetonitrile is a versatile polar aprotic solvent widely used in HPLC chromatography. A global shortage in 2008 disrupted pharmaceutical and …
Acetylene
C₂H₂Acetylene is the simplest alkyne, producing an extremely hot flame (3,300°C) when burned with oxygen. It is used in welding …
Acrolein
C₃H₄OAcrolein is the simplest unsaturated aldehyde and one of the most irritating compounds known. It is produced when fats are …
Acrylamide
C₃H₅NOAcrylamide is a key monomer for polyacrylamide, used in water treatment and gel electrophoresis. It also forms in starchy foods …
Acrylic Acid
C₃H₄O₂Acrylic acid is the simplest unsaturated carboxylic acid and a key monomer for acrylate polymers. It is used to make …
Acrylonitrile
C₃H₃NAcrylonitrile is a versatile monomer used to produce acrylic fibers, ABS plastics, and nitrile rubber. It is produced by the …
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 …
Amoxicillin
C₁₆H₁₉N₃O₅SAmoxicillin is the most commonly prescribed antibiotic worldwide. It is a penicillin derivative with a broader spectrum of activity than …
Aniline
C₆H₇NAniline is the simplest aromatic amine and a key precursor for polyurethane production. It was historically important in the synthetic …
Aniline Black
C₆H₇NPolyaniline is a conducting polymer discovered in 1862 that changes color with pH and oxidation state. It is one of …
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 …
Benzaldehyde
C₇H₆OBenzaldehyde is the simplest aromatic aldehyde and the primary component of bitter almond oil. It is widely used in food …
Benzene
C₆H₆Benzene is the simplest aromatic hydrocarbon, with a planar hexagonal ring of six carbon atoms. It is a fundamental building …
Benzoic Acid
C₇H₆O₂Benzoic acid is the simplest aromatic carboxylic acid. Its sodium salt is one of the most common food preservatives worldwide.
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 …
Bisphenol A
C₁₅H₁₆O₂Bisphenol A is a chemical used to make polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It has come under intense scrutiny as …
Bisphenol A Diglycidyl Ether
C₂₁H₂₄O₄BADGE is the basic building block of most epoxy resins, formed from bisphenol A and epichlorohydrin. It is the world's …
Bromothymol Blue
C₂₇H₂₈Br₂O₅SBromothymol blue is a pH indicator that is yellow below pH 6.0 and blue above pH 7.6. It is widely …
Butane
C₄H₁₀Butane is a four-carbon alkane used as lighter fuel and aerosol propellant. It exists as two isomers: n-butane and isobutane.
Butyl Acetate
C₆H₁₂O₂Butyl acetate is a common industrial solvent with a fruity banana-like odor. It is widely used in lacquers, paints, and …
Butyraldehyde
C₄H₈OButyraldehyde is an aldehyde with a pungent odor produced on a large scale by hydroformylation of propylene. It is a …
Butyric Acid
C₄H₈O₂Butyric acid is a short-chain fatty acid with an intensely unpleasant rancid butter odor. It occurs naturally in butter and …
Caffeine
C₈H₁₀N₄O₂Caffeine is the world's most widely consumed psychoactive substance. It is a purine alkaloid that blocks adenosine receptors, reducing drowsiness.
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 …
Carvone
C₁₀H₁₄OCarvone is a classic example of chirality affecting odor: (R)-carvone smells like spearmint while (S)-carvone smells like caraway. They are …
Catechol
C₆H₆O₂Catechol is a dihydroxybenzene found in many natural polyphenols. It is used in photography, pharmaceutical synthesis, and as an antioxidant.
Chitosan
(C₆H₁₁NO₄)ₙChitosan is derived from chitin in crustacean shells and is the second most abundant natural polysaccharide after cellulose. It has …
Chloroform
CHCl₃Chloroform is a dense, sweet-smelling solvent historically used as an anesthetic. It is now primarily used to produce HCFC-22 refrigerant.
Cholesterol
C₂₇H₄₆OCholesterol is an essential structural component of cell membranes and a precursor to steroid hormones, bile acids, and vitamin D.
Cinnamaldehyde
C₉H₈OCinnamaldehyde is the compound that gives cinnamon its characteristic flavor and aroma. It constitutes 65-80% of cinnamon bark oil.
Citric Acid
C₆H₈O₇Citric acid is a weak organic acid found in citrus fruits. It is a key intermediate in the Krebs cycle …
Citronellal
C₁₀H₁₈OCitronellal is the primary component of citronella oil and gives it its characteristic lemony scent. It is the basis for …
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 …
Coumarin
C₉H₆O₂Coumarin gives freshly cut hay and tonka beans their sweet vanilla-like scent. It is used in perfumery and as a …
Cumene
C₉H₁₂Cumene is an aromatic hydrocarbon primarily used in the cumene process to produce phenol and acetone simultaneously. Over 13 million …
Cyanoacrylate
C₅H₅NO₂Cyanoacrylate is the active ingredient in super glue. It polymerizes rapidly on contact with moisture, bonding surfaces within seconds.
Cyclohexane
C₆H₁₂Cyclohexane is a cyclic saturated hydrocarbon that adopts a chair conformation to minimize ring strain. It is produced primarily by …
Cyclohexanone
C₆H₁₀OCyclohexanone is a key industrial chemical and the principal precursor to caprolactam and adipic acid, which are used to make …
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 …
Diazepam
C₁₆H₁₃ClN₂ODiazepam (Valium) is one of the most prescribed benzodiazepines, used for anxiety, seizures, and muscle spasms. It was the world's …
Dichloromethane
CH₂Cl₂Dichloromethane (DCM) is one of the most widely used organic solvents in chemistry. It is dense, volatile, and dissolves a …
Diethylene Glycol
C₄H₁₀O₃Diethylene glycol is an industrial solvent and antifreeze component. Its sweet taste has led to multiple mass poisoning events when …
Diethyl Ether
C₄H₁₀ODiethyl ether is a highly volatile and flammable liquid historically used as a general anesthetic. It is now primarily used …
Diethyl Phthalate
C₁₂H₁₄O₄Diethyl phthalate is one of the most commonly used plasticizers, making plastics more flexible. It is also used in cosmetics …
Diethyl Sulfate
C₄H₁₀O₄SDiethyl sulfate is a powerful ethylating agent used in organic synthesis. It is more reactive and toxic than dimethyl sulfate.
Dimethylacetamide
C₄H₉NODMAc is a powerful dipolar aprotic solvent used in the production of synthetic fibers and pharmaceutical manufacture.
Dimethylamine
C₂H₇NDimethylamine is a secondary amine with a fishy, ammoniacal odor. It is used to synthesize dimethylformamide, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals.
Dimethyl Carbonate
C₃H₆O₃Dimethyl carbonate is a green solvent and methylating agent promoted as a safer replacement for phosgene and dimethyl sulfate in …
Dimethylformamide
C₃H₇NODMF is a polar aprotic solvent that dissolves a wide variety of organic and inorganic compounds. It is one of …
Dimethyl Sulfoxide
C₂H₆OSDMSO is a powerful polar aprotic solvent that can penetrate biological membranes. It is used in cryopreservation, pharmaceutical compounding, and …
Dimethyl Terephthalate
C₁₀H₁₀O₄DMT is one of the two main monomers used to produce PET plastic (the other being terephthalic acid). It is …
DMSO
C₂H₆OSDMSO is a powerful solvent that can penetrate skin and carry dissolved substances into the bloodstream. It has a characteristic …
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 …
Epichlorohydrin
C₃H₅ClOEpichlorohydrin is a versatile building block for epoxy resins, glycerol production, and water treatment chemicals. Over 2 million tonnes are …
Ethane
C₂H₆Ethane is a two-carbon alkane, the second simplest hydrocarbon. It is used primarily as a feedstock for ethylene production through …
Ethanol
C₂H₅OHEthanol (drinking alcohol) is the alcohol in beverages, produced by fermentation. It is also a major biofuel and industrial solvent.
Ethyl Acetate
C₄H₈O₂Ethyl acetate is a widely used organic solvent with a sweet, fruity odor. It is the most common ester in …
Ethylbenzene
C₈H₁₀Ethylbenzene is produced in enormous quantities as an intermediate to styrene. Over 99% of ethylbenzene is dehydrogenated to make styrene …
Ethylene
C₂H₄Ethylene is the simplest alkene and the most produced organic compound worldwide. It is the key monomer for polyethylene plastic.
Ethylene Carbonate
C₃H₄O₃Ethylene carbonate is a cyclic carbonate used as a solvent in lithium-ion battery electrolytes. It has a high dielectric constant …
Ethylene Glycol
C₂H₆O₂Ethylene glycol is the primary ingredient in most automotive antifreeze. It has a sweet taste that makes it dangerous to …
Ethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether
C₄H₁₀O₂2-Ethoxyethanol is a versatile solvent used in paints, varnishes, and cleaning solutions. It combines properties of both ethers and alcohols.
Ethylene Oxide
C₂H₄OEthylene oxide is a cyclic ether and the simplest epoxide. It is one of the most versatile chemical intermediates, used …
Eugenol
C₁₀H₁₂O₂Eugenol is the main component of clove oil and has been used as a dental analgesic for centuries. It has …
Ferrocene
Fe(C₅H₅)₂Ferrocene was the first sandwich compound discovered, with an iron atom sandwiched between two cyclopentadienyl rings. Its discovery revolutionized organometallic …
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 …
Formaldehyde
CH₂OFormaldehyde is the simplest aldehyde, used in resins and as a preservative. Formalin (37% formaldehyde in water) is used to …
Formamide
CH₃NOFormamide is the simplest amide and a powerful solvent that can dissolve many inorganic salts. It is used in pharmaceutical …
Formic Acid
CH₂O₂Formic acid is the simplest carboxylic acid, naturally found in ant venom. It is used in textile dyeing, leather tanning, …
Freon-12
CCl₂F₂Freon-12 (CFC-12) was the most widely used refrigerant until the Montreal Protocol banned it for depleting the ozone layer. It …
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 …
Furan
C₄H₄OFuran is an oxygen-containing aromatic heterocycle that forms in food during high-temperature cooking. It is a precursor for important industrial …
Galactose
C₆H₁₂O₆Galactose is a monosaccharide that combines with glucose to form lactose in milk. Galactosemia is a genetic inability to metabolize …
Geraniol
C₁₀H₁₈OGeraniol is a monoterpenoid and the primary component of rose oil and citronella oil. It is widely used in perfumery …
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, …
Glycerol
C₃H₈O₃Glycerol is a sweet, viscous trihydric alcohol found in all fats and oils. It is a byproduct of soap and …
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 …
Hexane
C₆H₁₄Hexane is a six-carbon straight-chain alkane that is one of the most commonly used nonpolar solvents. It is widely used …
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 …
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 …
Isoleucine
C₆H₁₃NO₂Isoleucine is a branched-chain essential amino acid crucial for hemoglobin synthesis and blood sugar regulation.
Isoprene
C₅H₈Isoprene is the monomer of natural rubber and one of the most important hydrocarbons in biology. Trees emit over 500 …
Isopropanol
C₃H₈OIsopropanol (rubbing alcohol) is the most widely used disinfectant alcohol. A 70% solution is more effective at killing bacteria than …
Lactic Acid
C₃H₆O₃Lactic acid is produced during anaerobic metabolism in muscles and by bacteria during fermentation. It gives yogurt and sauerkraut their …
Lactose
C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁Lactose is the primary sugar in milk, composed of glucose and galactose. About 65% of the global population has reduced …
Leucine
C₆H₁₃NO₂Leucine is a branched-chain essential amino acid important for muscle protein synthesis. It is the most abundant amino acid in …
Limonene
C₁₀H₁₆Limonene is a cyclic terpene responsible for the citrus scent of orange and lemon peels. It is widely used as …
Linalool
C₁₀H₁₈OLinalool is a terpene alcohol found in over 200 plant species including lavender, basil, and cinnamon. It is one of …
Linoleic Acid
C₁₈H₃₂O₂Linoleic acid is an essential omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid that humans must obtain from diet. It is abundant in vegetable …
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 …
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, …
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 …
Metformin
C₄H₁₁N₅Metformin is the most prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes worldwide. Originally derived from French lilac, it is now being …
Methane
CH₄Methane is the simplest hydrocarbon and the primary component of natural gas. It is a potent greenhouse gas, approximately 80× …
Methanol
CH₃OHMethanol (wood alcohol) is the simplest alcohol. It is toxic to humans — as little as 10 mL can cause …
Methionine
C₅H₁₁NO₂SMethionine is an essential sulfur-containing amino acid that serves as the initiator of protein synthesis in all eukaryotic cells.
Methylamine
CH₅NMethylamine is the simplest primary amine with a strong fishy odor. It is an important building block for pharmaceuticals and …
Methyl Benzoate
C₈H₈O₂Methyl benzoate is an ester with a pleasant aromatic odor reminiscent of fruits. It occurs naturally in many plants and …
Methyl Bromide
CH₃BrMethyl bromide was one of the most effective soil fumigants until being phased out under the Montreal Protocol for ozone …
Methylene Blue
C₁₆H₁₈ClN₃SMethylene blue is a synthetic dye with important medical applications. It is used to treat methemoglobinemia and is on the …
Methylene Chloride
CH₂Cl₂Dichloromethane is one of the most versatile solvents in organic chemistry and industry. It is one of the few chlorinated …
Methyl Ethyl Ketone
C₄H₈OMEK is a common industrial solvent used in lacquers, adhesives, and cleaning agents. It is also used in dewaxing lubricating …
Methyl Isocyanate
C₂H₃NOMethyl isocyanate (MIC) is a highly reactive and toxic chemical used in pesticide manufacturing. It was the chemical released in …
Methyl Methacrylate
C₅H₈O₂Methyl methacrylate is the monomer used to produce polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), known commercially as Plexiglas, Lucite, or acrylic glass. It …
Methyl Salicylate
C₈H₈O₃Methyl salicylate, or oil of wintergreen, is a naturally occurring ester with a distinctive minty-sweet scent. It is used in …
Methyl tert-Butyl Ether
C₅H₁₂OMTBE was widely used as a gasoline additive to increase octane rating and reduce emissions. Its use has been restricted …
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 …
Niacin
C₆H₅NO₂Niacin, or Vitamin B3, is essential for metabolism. Its deficiency causes pellagra, which was epidemic in the American South in …
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide
C₂₁H₂₇N₇O₁₄P₂NAD+ is a coenzyme central to metabolism, found in every living cell. It carries electrons in redox reactions and is …
Nicotine
C₁₀H₁₄N₂Nicotine is the primary addictive compound in tobacco, acting on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain. It was used as …
Nitroglycerin
C₃H₅N₃O₉Nitroglycerin is a powerful explosive liquid that is also a vasodilator medication for angina (chest pain). Alfred Nobel made it …
N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone
C₅H₉NONMP is a powerful polar aprotic solvent used in petrochemical processing, electronics manufacturing, and pharmaceutical synthesis.
Octane
C₈H₁₈Octane is an eight-carbon alkane and a major component of gasoline. The 'octane rating' of fuel is based on isooctane's …
Oleic Acid
C₁₈H₃₄O₂Oleic acid is the most abundant monounsaturated fatty acid in nature, making up 55-80% of olive oil. It is associated …
Omeprazole
C₁₇H₁₉N₃O₃SOmeprazole was the first proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and revolutionized the treatment of acid reflux and stomach ulcers. It reduces …
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 …
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 …
Perchloroethylene
C₂Cl₄Perchloroethylene (perc) is the dominant solvent in the dry cleaning industry, used by about 85% of dry cleaners. It is …
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 …
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 …
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.
Proline
C₅H₉NO₂Proline is unique among the standard amino acids as it has a cyclic side chain bonded to both the nitrogen …
Propane
C₃H₈Propane is a three-carbon alkane commonly used as LPG fuel. It liquefies under moderate pressure, making it easy to store …
Propionic Acid
C₃H₆O₂Propionic acid is a naturally occurring carboxylic acid with a pungent odor. It is widely used as a food preservative …
Propylene Glycol
C₃H₈O₂Propylene glycol is a viscous, nearly odorless liquid used as a humectant in food, pharmaceutical excipient, and antifreeze. It is …
Propylene Oxide
C₃H₆OPropylene oxide is a small, strained-ring ether used to make polyether polyols, which are the backbone of polyurethane foams. About …
Purine
C₅H₄N₄Purine is the parent compound of adenine and guanine, two of the five nucleobases in DNA and RNA. Purines are …
Pyridine
C₅H₅NPyridine is a basic heterocyclic aromatic compound with a characteristic unpleasant fishy odor. It is a fundamental building block in …
Pyridoxine
C₈H₁₁NO₃Pyridoxine, or Vitamin B6, is involved in over 100 enzyme reactions in amino acid metabolism. It is one of the …
Pyrimidine
C₄H₄N₂Pyrimidine is the parent compound of three of the five nucleobases in DNA and RNA (cytosine, thymine, uracil). It is …
Pyruvic Acid
C₃H₄O₃Pyruvic acid is the end product of glycolysis and a central molecule in metabolism. It sits at the crossroads of …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Sodium Alginate
(C₆H₇NaO₆)ₙSodium alginate is a natural polysaccharide from brown seaweed used as a thickener, gelling agent, and in molecular gastronomy for …
Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
C₁₈H₂₉NaO₃SSodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) is the most widely used anionic surfactant in household detergents. It replaced soap for most cleaning applications.
Sorbitol
C₆H₁₄O₆Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol found naturally in many fruits. It is used as a low-calorie sweetener, humectant, and pharmaceutical …
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 …
Styrene
C₈H₈Styrene is an important industrial monomer used to produce polystyrene, synthetic rubber, and ABS plastic. It is derived from ethylbenzene …
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.
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 …
Tetrachloromethane
CCl₄Carbon tetrachloride is a dense, colorless liquid that was once widely used as a dry cleaning solvent and fire extinguisher …
Tetrahydrofuran
C₄H₈OTetrahydrofuran (THF) is a cyclic ether widely used as a laboratory and industrial solvent. It is the preferred solvent for …
Tetramethylsilane
Si(CH₃)₄TMS is the universal internal reference standard for NMR spectroscopy, defining the zero point on the chemical shift scale.
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 …
Thiophene
C₄H₄SThiophene is a sulfur-containing aromatic heterocycle first detected in benzene as a contaminant. It is used in pharmaceuticals and organic …
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 …
Toluene
C₇H₈Toluene is a common aromatic solvent used in paints, thinners, and adhesives. It is also a major feedstock for producing …
Toluene Diisocyanate
C₉H₆N₂O₂TDI is one of the most important isocyanates used to make flexible polyurethane foam for mattresses, car seats, and upholstery.
Tributyltin Oxide
C₂₄H₅₄OSn₂TBTO was the most effective antifouling paint additive for ship hulls until it was banned by the IMO in 2008 …
Trichloroethylene
C₂HCl₃Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a powerful degreasing solvent that has become one of the most common groundwater contaminants in the developed …
Triethylamine
C₆H₁₅NTriethylamine (TEA) is one of the most commonly used non-nucleophilic bases in organic synthesis. It has a strong, fishy ammonia-like …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Vanillin
C₈H₈O₃Vanillin is the primary flavor compound in vanilla and the world's most popular flavoring agent. Over 85% of commercial vanillin …
Vinyl Acetate
C₄H₆O₂Vinyl acetate is the monomer for polyvinyl acetate (PVA), the main component of white glue and latex paint. Over 6 …
Vinyl Chloride
C₂H₃ClVinyl chloride is the monomer used to produce PVC, one of the world's most used plastics. It is a colorless …
Xylene
C₈H₁₀Xylene is a mixture of three isomers (ortho-, meta-, and para-xylene) that is one of the top 30 chemicals produced …
Xylitol
C₅H₁₂O₅Xylitol is a sugar alcohol with a sweetness similar to sucrose but 40% fewer calories. It is widely used in …