As I was reading the BBC website I came across a fascinating article on nanotechnology. Not science fiction nanotechnology or ‘pseudo’ nanotechnology, in other words a miniaturised device. No, this was the real thing!
A motor that was made of a single molecule or just 18 atoms! And the molecule is …..
Chances are, we have all ‘smelt’ natural gas. It is not a bad, offensive smell but it is certainly not pleasant and because of this smell, we know that there is unburnt gas about. Not a welcome prospect in a Chemistry lab! But did you know, natural gas (or methane) is actually odourless?
Image kindly reproduced according to the licence at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Methanethiol-3D-balls.png
Today we will consider the Rafflesia, the worlds largest flowering plant. The rafflesia is found in equatorial rain-forests, particularly in Borneo. As well as being well known for being the worlds largest flowering plant, it is perhaps more well known for producing an extremely bad smell.
Image kindly reproduced according to the licence at:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rafflesia_sumatra.jpg
We all know that skunks are capable of producing an incredibly bad smelling strong odour. This odour can be difficult to get off clothing and can lead to skin irritation and even temporary blindness.
Image kidly reproduced according to the licence at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Striped_Skunk.jpg
This week I thought I would focus on sulfur and its smelly compounds. However, todays posting will focus on an introduction to the element.
Sulfur, S, atomic number 16 is found in group 6 of the periodic table. In its elemental state, it forms S8 and is yellow in colour.
The Chinese have been credited with this invention around 800AD.
This image has been reproduced in accordance with the liscence found at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Chinese_rocket.gif
Etienne de Clave – not exactly a household name but in 1624 this French chemist was arrested for heresy.
Why?
Search