The chemical breakdown & Chemistry in its element

An update on the Strait of Hormuz & potential explosives at an Antarctic base | The chemical breakdown podcast Jul 08, 2026

In this episode, we bring the latest from the recent temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and discuss the presence of potential explosives at the historic Antarctic bases of explorers Ernest Shackleton and Robert Scott with Phillip Broadwith and Frances Briggs.

The US and Iran have recently signed a form of agreement to temporarily reopen the Strait of Hormuz for shipping. But will this be enough to ease costs of resources, or has too much damage already been done?

And, representatives from New Zealand have warned about the possible presence of explosive materials inside the Antarctic Laboratories left behind by explorers Robert Scott and Ernest Shakleton. We explain the chemistry underpinning the substances.

A warning for US science & wool's chemical versatility | The chemical breakdown podcast Jun 24, 2026

This week, we discuss the latest challenges facing US science outlined by president of the US National Academy of Sciences Marcia McNutt in her outgoing address as well as the unique chemistry underpinning wool's incredible properties with Neil Withers and Rebecca Trager.

Marcia McNutt gave her final address as president of the US National Academy of Sciences earlier this month, warning of turmoil for science in the wake of further proposals by the White House to restrict funding. We discuss highlights from the event.

And, how does the chemical composition of wool contribute to its material properties? We explore this staple fabric and its uses beyond clothing.

Click chemistry marks 25 years & covalent bonding in the actinides | The chemical breakdown podcast Jun 10, 2026

This week, we look back at how far click chemistry has come in the last 25 years and discuss the strange bonding behaviour of some of the largest elements on the periodic table with Mason Wakley and Frances Briggs.

It started as a review paper in 2001 that has since been cited almost 20,000 times, becoming one of the most influential chemistry papers ever written. Click chemistry has revolutionised the way we build molecules. But what defines a click reaction, and what does the future hold?

And, new research has revealed experimental evidence of how covalent bonding affects the 5f orbital in early actinides. We discuss the challenges of studying these elements.

Quantum computing & a mysterious contaminant in microplastics research | The chemical breakdown podcast May 28, 2026

This week, we discuss the latest milestone in quantum computational modelling and reveal the common laboratory item causing strange readings in microplastics research with Frankie Macpherson and Patrick Walter.

A new hybrid workflow involving two IBM quantum computers and two powerful supercomputers has allowed researchers to model a protein–ligand system containing up to a record 12,635 atoms. What does this mean for the future of quantum computing?

And, a recent study has found an unsuspecting source of contamination in microplastics research, distorting measurements of atmospheric pollution. We discuss the underlying cause.

Battery week 2026: The EV cathode race & battery-recycling | The chemical breakdown podcast May 13, 2026

This week, we are celebrating Chemistry World's Battery Week with a special battery-themed episode! We discuss the race between cathode materials for electric vehicles and a new photocatalyst capable of turning plastic waste into hydrogen and value-added chemicals, with Neil Withers and Patrick Walter.

A race between competing battery cathode materials is heating up, the winner of which will shape the future of electric vehicles. But which will come out on top?

And, we discuss a new photocatalyst that could change the way we recycle plastics and battery acid, demonstrating how waste streams could be transformed into resources. We explore what this could mean for building a truly circular economy.

To register for more Battery Week activities, check out: https://www.chemistryworld.com/collections/energy-storage-and-batteries

Vanadium-based medicines & sustainable labs | The chemical breakdown podcast Apr 29, 2026

This week, we discuss vanadium's potential in the medical field and the changes you can make in our lab to reduce your carbon footprint, with Jennifer Newton and Emma Pewsey.

Many are familiar with vanadium's role in metal production, but did you know that it has a history of research as a potential medicine? We explore the little-known story of vanadium's medical potential.

And, how can your lab contribute to a more sustainable world? We discuss the areas where you can make a meaningful change.

Inert materials & the Mary Celeste | The chemical breakdown podcast Apr 16, 2026

This week, we discuss how to ensure experimental instruments are truly inert and chemistry's answer to the fate of the Mary Celeste, with Phillip Broadwith and Mason Wakley.

A new study has demonstrated how unexpected results can arise from experiments using seemingly inert materials. How do we avoid the effects of these accidental reagents?

And, scientists may have found the answer behind what happened to the crew of the infamous ship the Mary Celeste. We explain how chemistry may fill the gaps.

The two states of water & science sleuths | The chemical breakdown podcast Apr 07, 2026

This week, we discuss the peculiarities of water's behaviour and how science sleuths are fighting disinformation with Philip Robinson and Emma Pewsey.

A recent study from researchers at Stockholm University has found the existence of a critical point in supercooled water, which could prove the existence of two types of water. How did they do it, and what does this mean for our understanding of this fundamental substance?

And, in the growing age of disinformation, how can we equip ourselves to discern fact from false data? We discuss the latest wave of science sleuths aiming to provide us the tools.

Resources to start your sleuthing:

Learn about best practice with the Cosig collection of open science integrity guides
Engage in post-publication peer review at PubPeer
Software for detecting image manipulation: ImageTwin and Proofig
Keep up to date on the latest problem papers identified using the Problematic Paper Screener and Retraction Watch Database

Atomic radii & synthetic food dyes | The chemical breakdown podcast Mar 11, 2026

This week, we discuss team discuss the boundaries of the atom and breakdown the US's plan to eliminate synthetic food dyes with Jennifer Newton and Phillip Broadwith.

The atomic radius of an atom is a concept we are taught from early in our chemistry careers, but for such an important value its definition remains ambiguous. Why is there no single answer to the size of an atom?

And, US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr announced last year that the US will phase out all petroleum-based synthetic dyes in foods. But what are these chemicals, and what concerns exist around their consumption?

AAAS annual meeting & plasma chemistry | The chemical breakdown podcast Feb 26, 2026

This week, we discuss reflections from this year's American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting and the latest advances in plasma chemistry with Rebecca Trager and Mason Wakley.

The annual meeting of the AAAS kicked off in Phoenix, on the heels of the recent minibus spending package announcement, as well as the rescinding of the 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding. We'll fill you in on some of the conversations that took place that weekend.

And, plasma is often described as the fourth state of matter, but what exactly is it made of? We'll explain it's make-up and dive into how chemists are learning to unlock its power.

AlphaGenome & the RNA world hypothesis | The chemical breakdown podcast Feb 11, 2026

Welcome to our latest podcast series, The chemical breakdown. Each week, we dive deeper into two stories we've covered here at Chemistry World, providing insight into the facts, why you should care, and what it means for the chemistry community. We also give you that week's headlines to keep you up to date with what's happening in the chemistry community. And finally, we'll end each episode with a brief section on what was happening this week in chemistry history.

This week, we discuss the new deep learning model AlphaGenome and visit the very beginning of life on Earth with Mason Wakley and Neil Withers.

Google DeepMind has released a new deep learning model that can predict the effect of small changes to DNA sequences up to one million base pairs in length. What does this new tech mean for our understanding of the human genome?

And, how did life start on Earth, before the first cell came to be? We discuss the RNA world hypothesis and breakdown the chemistry it's built on.

You can find more episodes of The chemical breakdown on the Chemistry world podcast feed. We would love to hear your feedback on this new podcast, so if you have any questions or comments please get in touch.

Batteries: The bedrock of the sustainable future Jun 01, 2021

In this special podcast produced in partnership with Waters Corporation, find out how understanding the chemistry and materials that go into batteries marks the first step towards making them safer and increasing energy density, and unlocks new opportunities for reuse and recycling

Cinnamaldehyde: Chemistry in its element Dec 21, 2020

How did a tree bark from Sri Lanka become one of the essential flavours of the festive season? We explore the history of cinnamon and the compound that gives it its distinctive taste and aroma

Azidoazide azide: Chemistry in its element Dec 11, 2020

A compound so explosively unstable that nobody has been able to measure how sensitive it is without it, well, exploding.

Ochre: Chemistry in its element Dec 04, 2020

How one of mankind's oldest pigments helped shepherds secure their sheep and inspired one of the most popular songs of the twentieth century

Maltodextrin: Chemistry in its element Nov 27, 2020

A sweet compound that provides ample energy for extreme endurance events – find out how maltodextrin helped Anna Ploszajski swim the English channel

Ionic liquids: Chemistry in its element Nov 20, 2020

Liquid salts, ionic melts, fused salts, or ionic glasses – call them what you like, these much-hyped solvents show great promise. Katrina Krämer speaks to chemical engineer Jason Bara about ionic liquids.

Chlorhexidine: Chemistry in its element Nov 13, 2020

An antimicrobial compound that kills bacteria and viruses quickly – found in some of the most colourful antiseptic solutions

Asparagusic acid: Chemistry in its element Nov 05, 2020

Does asparagus give you foul-smelling urine? Helen Arney investigates asparagusic acid, and the lavatorial genetic lottery that controls whether or not you can smell its distinctive aroma

Glycyrrhizic acid: Chemistry in its element Oct 30, 2020

A sweet treat with a deadly trick for Halloween – glycyrrhizic acid, or glycyrrhizin, is found in black liquorice and sweeter than sucrose, but can cause heart problems and even prove fatal if consumed in excess

Propofol: Chemistry in its element Oct 23, 2020

Also known as 'milk of amnesia', propofol helps to prevent perception of pain in surgery – just don't forget its dangerous side

Sofosbuvir: Chemistry in its element Oct 16, 2020

Hepatitis C drug sofosbuvir made waves when first launched – quicker to work and with fewer side effects than existing drugs, but it came with a hefty price tag

Bedaquiline: Chemistry in its element Oct 09, 2020

Meera Senthilingam makes a welcome return to the podcast with a drug that gives hope to the many sufferers of drug-resistant TB – still one of the world's biggest killers

Oxybenzone: Chemistry in its element Oct 02, 2020

This summer's extreme weather prompts Katrina Krämer to investigate the history of sunblock and the ingredient blamed by some for bleaching coral reefs

Gypsum: Chemistry in its element Aug 07, 2020

From Lavoisier's experiments with plaster of paris to the the 'Sistine Chapel of crystals' in Mexico, Mike Freemantle explores the history of gypsum

Favipiravir: Chemistry in its element Aug 02, 2020

Originally developed to treat flu and marketed in Japan as Avigan, promising Covid-19 trial results have seen countries stockpiling this medication by the millions

Tannic acid: Chemistry in its element Jul 24, 2020

Tannic acid in green acorns can kill wild animals and livestock, but in this podcast Mike Freemantle makes plain that you can prevent poisoning with pannage pigs.

Ractopamine: Chemistry in its element Jul 17, 2020

Common in the US but banned in the EU, this animal feed additive makes for muscular pigs and beefy international trade disputes.

Hexasilabenzene: Chemistry in its element Jul 10, 2020

Brian Clegg discovers what a six-membered silicon ring can tell us about alien life

2AP (2-acetyl-1-pyrroline): Chemistry in its element Jul 03, 2020

Frances Addison on the aromatic compound found in both buttered popcorn and the bearcat's scent glands, and responsible for the distinctive smell of both

Dexamethasone: Chemistry in its element Jun 26, 2020

News that this cheap, ubiquitous steroid drug may reduce deaths in Covid-19 cases has been greeted with cautious optimism. Ben Valsler looks at the history of dexamethasone and the promising Recovery trial results.

Porcelain: Chemistry in its element Jun 19, 2020

Mike Freemantle on the art, history and science of this delicate, translucent ceramic material

Feldspar: Chemistry in its element Jun 12, 2020

Brian Clegg introduces the humble mineral that delights both astronomers and archaeologists

Cimetidine: Chemistry in its element Jun 05, 2020

Mike Freemantle introduces the peptic ulcer treatment cimetidine, which – as Tagamet – became the first 'blockbuster' drug

Fexinidazole: Chemistry in its element May 29, 2020

The World Health Organisation hope to eradicate human African trypanosomiasis, better known as sleeping sickness, within our lifetimes. Jamie Durrani looks at a drug that may make it possible.

DMT – Dimethyltryptamine: Chemistry in its element May 22, 2020

Georgia Mills investigates the psychoactive found in ayahuasca that may mirror near-death experiences

Chlorine dioxide: Chemistry in its element May 15, 2020

Katrina Krämer investigates how industrial-strength bleach became promoted as 'miracle mineral supplement' – a supposed 'cure' for autism, cancer and even Covid-19.

Oleic acid: Chemistry in its element May 08, 2020

Brian Clegg discovers the link between olive oil, dandruff and stained glass windows.

Interferon beta: Chemistry in its element May 01, 2020

An immune-modulating compound used to reduce the symptoms of multiple sclerosis and now showing potential against coronaviruses, interferon beta is the last of the WHO's Covid-19 Solidarity trial candidates to get the Chemistry in its element treatment.

Ritonavir: Chemistry in its element Apr 24, 2020

The unexplained appearance and dramatic spread of a new form of HIV drug ritonavir hurt patients and cost its makers almost $250 million. Alexander Whiteside on the chemical phenomenon that links Irving Langmuir, H G Wells and Kurt Vonnegut.

Lopinavir: Chemistry in its element Apr 17, 2020

Ben Valsler explains how a drug that prevents HIV from donning its protective 'coat' now makes up one arm of the World Health Organisation's Covid-19 trial

Remdesivir: Chemistry in its element Apr 03, 2020

Will new clinical trials for Covid-19 give remdesivir a second chance?Ben Valsler introduces the broad-spectrum antiviral that didn't quite make it as the Ebola drug it was originally planned to be.

Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine: Chemistry in its element Mar 27, 2020

Old drugs sometimes find their way back into the news. The Covid-19 pandemic – and some very high profile backing – has led to malaria drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine hitting the headlines worldwide. Ben Valsler explores both the history and the hype.

Ibuprofen: Chemistry in its element Mar 20, 2020

Brian Clegg on the popular over-the-counter painkiller, developed by a high-street pharmacy chain

Minoxidil and finasteride: Chemistry in its element Mar 13, 2020

Catherine Hodges explores the chemical solutions to thinning hair and patchy beards, examining the popularity of minoxidil and the cautionary tale of finasteride

Fipronil: Chemistry in its element Mar 06, 2020

The pesticide that keeps pets free of pests, but may have also been responsible for the devastating collapse of bee colonies. With Harriet Brewerton.

Leptin: Chemistry in its element Feb 28, 2020

Rotund rodents revolutionised our understanding of the biological role of fat. Now, as Katrina Krämer discovers, the hormones created by fats could redefine obesity.

Vitamin K: Chemistry in its element Feb 21, 2020

Ben Valsler on vitamin K – the blood clotting factor that is likely to be the first supplement you ever receive

Amylase: Chemistry in its element Feb 14, 2020

Brian Clegg on the enzymes make life a little sweeter by breaking down starch into sugars, helping to make bread and beer

Hydroquinone: Chemistry in its element Feb 07, 2020

Georgia Mills on a compound that explodes from a beetle's bum, and has a controversial role in skin depigmentation

Sodium cyanide: Chemistry in its element Jan 31, 2020

This week marks the 20th anniversary of the Baia Mare disaster, when toxic sodium cyanide spilled from a gold processing plant led to ecological damage on a huge scale. Mike Freemantle tells the tragic tale and explores the poison's place in precious metal processing.

Terephthalic acid: Chemistry in its element Jan 24, 2020

Once thought of as an interesting – but useless – turpentine derivative, this oddly-named acid became the precursor to one of the world's most widely used plastics

Cobalt oxide: Chemistry in its Element Jan 17, 2020

From ancient Egyptian pottery to distinctive blue bottles, cobalt oxide has been providing 'chemically and artistically perfect' pigments for centuries

Vitamin B12 or Cobalamin Jan 10, 2020

If you're trying out a vegan diet, you're likely to be told to make sure you get enough vitamin B12. Ben Valsler asks what B12 does, where we get it from, and how can we be sure we're getting enough?

The Elements Song 2019: Chemistry in its Element Dec 20, 2019

To celebrate 2019 – the International Year of the Periodic Table – we're joined by Helen Arney and the Waterbeach Brass Band with an updated version of Tom Lehrer's elements song. See the video, featuring contributions from chemists around the world, here: https://www.chemistryworld.com/IYPT Happy New Year!

Iminosugars: Chemistry in its element Dec 13, 2019

After promising results treating ill pets, some researchers think iminosugars could become treatments for infection and even cancer. Mike Freemantle explores the buzz about iminohoney.

Oxycodone and hydrocodone: Chemistry in its element Dec 06, 2019

Frances Addison examines how our quest to control and manage pain has led to a modern medical crisis, as opioids oxycodone and hydrocodone are among the most abused prescription medications in the US

Tryptophan: Chemistry in its element Nov 29, 2019

Ben Valsler tackles 'zombie facts' and the tenuous connection between tryptophan in turkey and your post-Thanksgiving dinner doze

Zeolites: Chemistry in its element Nov 22, 2019

Brian Clegg introduces the class of materials where the holes are more important than the whole – the super-porous zeolites

Allicin: Chemistry in its Element Nov 15, 2019

It helps prevent garlic plants from marauding insects and should have prevented the Hindenburg disaster – Mike Freemantle on allicin and the smell of freshly crushed garlic

Beta–damascenone: Chemistry in its element Nov 08, 2019

Louise Crane explains how a series of happy accidents led to the discovery of this rose-scented compound, found in rose oil, beer, apple pie and Kentucky bourbon.

Gallium arsenide: Chemistry in its element Nov 01, 2019

Brian Clegg introduces gallium arsenide – the supercar of the semiconductor scene

Electrum: Chemistry in its element Oct 25, 2019

Georgia Mills introduces the malleable mixture of gold and silver that minted some of the world's oldest coins

Hypoxia-inducible factors – HIFs: Chemistry in its element Oct 18, 2019

Ben Valsler introduces the oxygen sensors that help life react to changing conditions, and were key to the 2019 Nobel prize in physiology or medicine

Ciguatoxin: Chemistry in its element Oct 11, 2019

Enna Guadalupe investigates the toxin found in reef fish that leads to food poisoning so bad it can cause life-long symptoms.

Ramipril & ACE inhibitors: Chemistry in its element Oct 04, 2019

How a Brazilian scientist's knowledge of viper venom led to the discovery of a whole class of medication for high blood pressure. With Mike Freemantle.

Hedione: Chemistry in its element Sep 27, 2019

Louise Crane investigates a jasmine-derived synthetic scent with supposed sex appeal

Sodium fluoroacetate: Chemistry in its element Sep 20, 2019

Georgia Mills examines a controversial killer: Sodium fluoroacetate or 1080

Methylhexaneamine or DMAA: Chemistry in its element Sep 13, 2019

Sold as a 'sports supplement', methylhexaneamine – or DMAA – is implicated in the deaths of otherwise fit & healthy people. Enna Guadalupe investigates.

Domoic acid: Chemistry in its element Sep 06, 2019

Katrina Krämer investigates a marine toxin that drives animals crazy and might have inspired one of Alfred Hitchcock's most famous films

Boric acid: Chemistry in its element Aug 30, 2019

Mike Freemantle revisits battlefield surgery to investigate boric acid, a key part of Dakin's antiseptic solution used extensively in the first world war

Amygdalin & Laetrile: Chemistry in its element Aug 22, 2019

Patrick Hughes delves into the molecule at the centre of a decades-old cancer treatment conspiracy theory

Dopamine: Chemistry in its element Aug 16, 2019

Georgia Mills tackles the feel-good neurotransmitter and hormone behind thrill seeking, addiction and mobile gaming

Hydrogen sulfide: Chemistry in its element Aug 09, 2019

Mike Freemantle finds the connection between Land of Hope and Glory and the noxious, corrosive, flammable gas that stinks of rotten eggs

Baclofen: Chemistry in its element Aug 02, 2019

One doctor's battle with alcoholism and self-experimentation with baclofen led to a rush of people desperate to try the drug to curb their addictions. But are we simply replacing one problem with another, asks Enna Guadalupe

Polypropylene: Chemistry in its element Jul 26, 2019

Microplastics, including polypropylene, are present in our oceans, on our beaches and even in bottled water. Ian Robertson from PerkinElmer investigates the scale and some solutions

Zinc polycarboxylate: Chemistry in its element Jul 19, 2019

Lay back in the chair and say 'Ahh', as Mike Freemantle introduces zinc polycarboxylate dental cement

Zircon: Chemistry in its element Jul 12, 2019

The versatile gemstones that give scientists insights into the chemistry of the early Earth, introduced by Brian Clegg

Cyclopropane: Chemistry in its element Jul 05, 2019

Chemistry's tastiest bonds for an explosive anaesthetic that was as useful as it was dangerous

2C psychedelics: Chemistry in its element Jun 28, 2019

Ben Valsler introduces a class of hallucinogenic phenethylamines, explored by the 'godfather of psychedelics' Alexander Shulgin and sadly implicated in a tragedy at a 2017 music festival

Azidothymidine: Chemistry in its element Jun 21, 2019

The first drug approved in the US to treat Aids required a completely new approach to clinical trials – Frances Addison explores the history of azidothymidine

Silver iodide: Chemistry in its element Jun 14, 2019

How the compound that ushered in a photographic revolution has taken to the skies to try to control the weather

Amantadine: Chemistry in its element Jun 07, 2019

Katrina Krämer investigates how one of the smallest small-molecule drugs around saved Jeanna Giese's life

Indole: Chemistry in its element May 31, 2019

Kat Arney investigates a potent chemical that might explain the brain-bending powers of bacteria

Amber: Chemistry in its element May 24, 2019

Mike Freemantle introduces amber – the valuable organic gemstone that invests unwary insects in a durable tomb

Beryllium oxide: Chemistry in its element May 17, 2019

Brian Clegg examines the duality that makes beryllium oxide so valuable to the electronics industry

Methylphenidate (Ritalin): Chemistry in its element May 10, 2019

Jamie Durrani diverts his attention to the rise of Ritalin, a drug first identified as a way of improving tennis performance

Limulus Amebocyte Lysate: Chemistry in its element May 03, 2019

Frances Addison takes a look at the discovery that brought horseshoe crabs to the heart of the pharmaceutical industry

Levothyroxine: Chemistry in its element Apr 26, 2019

Kit Chapman investigates the drug that has been one of the top five prescription medications in the UK every year for the last two decades

Starch: Chemistry in its element Apr 19, 2019

Inspired by a mention of arrowroot in Jane Austen's Emma, Mike Freemantle investigates how subtle differences in composition mean starch can be resistant dietary fibre or easily-digested nourishment.

Aniline: Chemistry in its element Apr 12, 2019

How an early synthetic dye chemical came to play a role in a mysterious disease outbreak in 1980s Spain

Talc, or magnesium silicate: Chemistry in its element Apr 05, 2019

Coating your naked body with powdered magnesium silicate may sound strange, but it's an important part of many bathtime rituals

Tocopherols: Chemistry in its element Mar 29, 2019

Mike Freemantle discovers sea buckthorns, also called 'beauty berries' because of their high concentration of tocopherols and tocotrienols, collectively known as vitamin E.

Trichloroanisole – Wine cork taint: Chemistry in its element Mar 22, 2019

If you've ever been unlucky enough to experience 'corked' wine, then 2,4,6-trichloroanisole, or TCA was likely the chemical culprit

Vinblastine and vincristine – Vinca alkaloids: Chemistry in its element Mar 15, 2019

Kat Arney unearths the story of a truly international effort to develop new drugs for cancer, and the female researcher whose key role went overlooked

Polyethylene glycol or PEG: Chemistry in its element Mar 08, 2019

Kit Chapman on the simple polymer that preserves and protects ancient artifacts, and saved a historical Swedish shipwreck from complete collapse

Ferrous sulfate, or iron(II) sulfate: Chemistry in its element Mar 01, 2019

Mike Freemantle on the iron compound that has been turning oak gall extract into indelible ink for centuries, but is now eating though our ancient manuscripts and musical scores

Nitrogenase: Chemistry in its element Feb 22, 2019

The mysterious enzyme that can beat the world's biggest chemical process when it comes to breaking the dinitrogen triple bond

Lazurite: Chemistry in its element Feb 15, 2019

A brilliant rich blue rock, prized in antiquity as a gemstone and a prominent pigment, lazurite is the basis of lapis lazuli, the original ultramarine paint and – as Brian Clegg finds – it even adorns Tutankhamun's death mask.

Melarsoprol: Chemistry in its element Feb 08, 2019

Cases of sleeping sickness – human African trypanosomiasis – are in decline, dropping 86% in Africa between 2000 and 2014. Gege Li explores the role that this toxic, arsenic-based medication has to play.

Omega-3 fatty acids: Chemistry in its element Feb 01, 2019

Many consume cod liver oil due to 'a vague sense we should be taking them for something' – but what to the omega-3 fatty acids actually do?

Cacodyl: Chemistry in its element Jan 25, 2019

It made Robert Bunsen seriously ill, Michael Faraday thought it 'barbaric' to use in battle and even Fritz Haber – the 'father of chemical warfare' – abandoned it after a fatal accident in his lab. This week, Mike Freemantle tells the story of tetramethyldiarsine, otherwise known as cacodyl.

Bronze: Chemistry in its element Jan 18, 2019

Kit Chapman takes us back to the 1904 Olympics in St Louis, via the bronze age and ancient Greece

Ellagic acid: Chemistry in its element Jan 11, 2019

Louise Crane introduces the antioxidant that led to exaggerated claims that 'whisky helps fight cancer'

Myristicin: Chemistry in its element Dec 17, 2018

The spice that gives your Christmas eggnog its distinctive taste and aroma is also a toxic narcotic that played an important role in international history. Florence Schechter shares the history of myristicin – the active ingredient in nutmeg

Low-background steel: Chemistry in its element Dec 07, 2018

Post-nuclear steel is a little bit radioactive, so for some specialist jobs we need to find a source of steel from before the bomb

Tin chlorides: Chemistry in its element Nov 30, 2018

The compounds that put the 'tin' in tin cans and help you to reflect on your appearance

Propanethial-S-oxide: Chemistry in its element Nov 23, 2018

Kat Arney's investigation of the pungent chemical in onions is enough to bring tears to your eyes

Epoxies: Chemistry in its Element Nov 16, 2018

Epoxies – including hard-wearing resins and strong adhesives – can be found almost everywhere, from your household white goods to the Large Hadron Collider. And the aroma of these compounds cemented their place in Brian Clegg's childhood memories.

Levulinic acid: Chemistry in its element Nov 09, 2018

How one footballer's climate concerns led to the creation of a green chemistry company: Mike Freemantle discovers the story of Mathieu Flamini, GFBiochemicals and levulinic acid.

Furanocoumarins: Chemistry in its element Nov 02, 2018

Florence Schechter discovers how a seemingly healthy grapefruit-based breakfast could disrupt your daily drugs

Phenolphthalein: Chemistry in its element Oct 26, 2018

Kat Arney gets to the bottom of the story of phenolphthalein – a chemical with two very different uses. If you've measured pH in a classroom or had some trouble in the bathroom, you may have met this compound before.

Caryophyllene: Chemistry in its Element Oct 19, 2018

A biologically active compound from the biblical balm of Gilead, said to 'heal the sin-sick soul'

Anatoxin-a: Chemistry in its element Oct 12, 2018

Gege Li on the compound formerly known by the no-nonsense name 'very fast death factor'

Colchicine: Chemistry in its element Oct 05, 2018

Florence Schechter introduces an ancient, but effective, treatment for painful attacks of gout

Indigo: Chemistry in its element Sep 28, 2018

What links blue jeans to ancient British warriors? Mike Freemantle discovers the blue dye with a colourful history

Pentylone: Chemistry in its element Sep 21, 2018

The latest in an alarming trend of novel psychoactive substances being mis-sold at festivals as traditional street drugs, putting users at risk

Antihistamines: Chemistry in its element Sep 14, 2018

As hayfever season comes to a close, Katrina Krämer examines antihistamines. From calming down a hyperactive immune system to increasing cognitive abilities, these small molecules have a big impact.

Thaumetopoein: Chemistry in its element Sep 07, 2018

Kat Arney finds out about the 'toxic caterpillar' chemical that will make your skin crawl

Ethyl iodoacetate: Chemistry in its element Aug 31, 2018

Michael Freemantle introduces a tear gas used by the British army in the first world war, picked, in part, because of our access to seaweed

Benzaldehyde: Chemistry in its element Aug 24, 2018

Brian Clegg on the almond flavour compound that gives your taste buds a treat and may help rescue survivors from a disaster

Asbestos: Chemistry in its element Aug 17, 2018

How the 'world's most wonderful mineral' became one of the world's biggest health hazards

Bilirubin: Chemistry in its element Aug 10, 2018

Kat Arney investigates the chemicals responsible for giving bruises their hue and colouring your poo

Naloxone: Chemistry in its element Aug 02, 2018

Katrina Krämer examines the overdose antidote that has saved tens of thousands of lives

Fentanyl: Chemistry in its element Jul 27, 2018

A 1960s breakthrough in pain relief that now fuels the opioid crisis

Lanolin: Chemistry in its element Jul 20, 2018

How a waxy mixture from a sheep's fleece helped create a global fashion brand

Cannabidiol: Chemistry in its element Jul 13, 2018

Ben Valsler with the story of Charlotte Figi, Dravet syndrome and the cannabis compound controlling her condition.

Potassium sulfide: Chemistry in its element Jul 05, 2018

Brian Clegg on a compound that keeps us well fed and looking radiant

Warfarin: Chemistry in its element Jun 28, 2018

Katrina Krämer asks if an essential blood-thinning medicine ended Joseph Stalin's 30-year rule over the Soviet Union

Kerosene: Chemistry in its element Jun 21, 2018

Discover bat-borne-bombs and a classic chemistry textbook, as Mike Freemantle examines the history of kerosene

Iron sulfides: Chemistry in its element Jun 14, 2018

One mineral form may look like gold, but Brian Clegg isn't fooled by the value of iron sulfides

Spidroin: Chemistry in its Element Jun 07, 2018

From tacky Hallowe'en decorations to the stuff of an arachnophobe's nightmares, spiders don't have the greatest reputation. But, as Kat Arney is here to prove, there's fascinating chemistry at work in their webs.

Piperine: Chemistry in its element May 31, 2018

Jamie Durrani on the compound that gives pepper its characteristic kick

Potassium bitartrate: Chemistry in its element May 24, 2018

Brian Clegg with the winemaking byproduct that may be lurking in your larder

Twistacenes: Chemistry in its element May 17, 2018

Kat Arney discovers the strange things that happen when organic compounds go round the twist

Calcium hypochlorite: Chemistry in its element May 10, 2018

A component of 'trench atmosphere' and 'the most powerful antiseptic known', Mike Freemantle explores calcium hydroxide and the birth of a chemical dynasty

Indium tin oxide: Chemistry in its element May 03, 2018

Swipe, tap, pinch, poke and prod – Neil Withers gets hands on with touchscreen material indium tin oxide, ITO

BaZnGa: Chemistry in its element Apr 26, 2018

Science imitates art imitating science, as sitcom The big bang theory inspires the creation of a new compound

Triamcinolone: Chemistry in its element Apr 20, 2018

Concluding our pair of podcasts on a recent cycling scandal, Ben Valsler looks at the steroid triamcinolone

Acetylcysteine: Chemistry in its element Apr 12, 2018

Acetylcysteine is a versatile drug, helping manage lung conditions and treat paracetamol overdose. But, as Ben Valsler discovers, it has found itself at the centre of a cycling controversy

Curare and ouabain: Chemistry in its element Apr 06, 2018

Jamie Durrani presents a pair of plant-based poisons

Gutta percha: Chemistry in its element Mar 29, 2018

Kat Arney wraps herself around the tree sap that saved transatlantic telecommunications

Maitotoxin: Chemistry in its element Mar 09, 2018

A giant marine toxin with a total synthesis story to tell

Astaxanthin: Chemistry in its element Mar 02, 2018

Colourful crustaceans and the story of a ubiquitous biological pigment

Melanin: Chemistry in its element Feb 21, 2018

Kat Arney investigates the biological pigment that links sun tanning, squid ink and browning bananas

Oganesson: Chemistry in its element Feb 15, 2018

We speak to Yuri Oganessian about the element that bears his name

Tennessine: Chemistry in its element Feb 14, 2018

Three Tennessee institutions contributed to the discovery of element 117, now fittingly named tennessine

Livermorium: Chemistry in its element Feb 13, 2018

Meet the Mayor of Livermore, California, and discover how his city has been immortalised on the periodic table

Moscovium: Chemistry in its element Feb 12, 2018

The US-Russian collaborative superheavy element 'factory' strikes again, but only 100 atoms of element 115 have ever been observed

Flerovium: Chemistry in its element Feb 08, 2018

How 'hot fusion' research saw an end to cold war tensions

Nihonium: Chemistry in its element Feb 08, 2018

We catch up with the changes in the periodic table. This time, Kit Chapman discovers the element that realised a Japanese national dream

Strontium aluminate: Chemistry in its element Feb 01, 2018

Brian Clegg illuminates a glow-in-the-dark compound that defies naming conventions

Topaz: Chemistry in its element Jan 26, 2018

Mike Freemantle brings us a sparkling mineral and a tale of derring-do on the high seas

Methaemoglobin and diaphorase 1: Chemistry in its element Jan 19, 2018

Kat Arney discovers the biological chemistry behind a colourful blood disorder

Fructose: Chemistry in its element Dec 21, 2017

Super-sweet and packed with preserving power, Mike Freemantle discovers that fructose can help keep things fresh long after the sell-by date

TEMPO – (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl: Chemistry in its element Dec 15, 2017

Katrina Krämer speaks to organic chemist Daniel Allwood about a multi-talented molecule that proves that not all radicals live up to their name

Aluminium chloride: Chemistry in its element Dec 07, 2017

Brian Clegg becomes a sleuth to investigate the uses of a deceptively simple Lewis acid

Acesulfame potassium: Chemistry in its element Nov 30, 2017

Mike Freemantle discovers a sweet solution to monitoring contaminated water

Sildenafil: Chemistry in its element Nov 23, 2017

Kat Arney takes a long, hard look at the story behind those famous little blue pills

Tetranitromethane: Chemistry in its element Nov 16, 2017

Brian Clegg introduces a failed rocket fuel oxidiser with a very tricky structure

Polybutene: Chemistry in its element Nov 09, 2017

Kit Chapman discovers the compound that blighted Nixon's second presidential inauguration by littering the route with dead pigeons

Aflatoxins: Chemistry in its element Nov 02, 2017

Kat Arney investigates the cancer-causing chemicals that could be lurking in that bag of peanuts

Citral: Chemistry in its element Oct 27, 2017

Brian Clegg freshens up the podcast with a spritz of lemon scent, courtesy of neral and geranial, collectively known as citral

Neoprene: Chemistry in its element Oct 20, 2017

Cinnarizine: Chemistry in its element Oct 12, 2017

Neil Withers relives a choppy (and messy) sea voyage to bring us the science of anti-seasickness drug cinnarizine, known in the UK as stugeron

Sodium dichromate: Chemistry in its element Oct 06, 2017

Discover the compound at the heart of a multi-million dollar legal case and an Oscar–winning role for Julia Roberts

Coomassie brilliant blue: Chemistry in its element Sep 29, 2017

Kat Arney explains how an attractive blue dye, with a name inspired by the British Empire's military exploits, became the basis of a fundamental lab technique

Phosphorus chlorides: Chemistry in its element Sep 22, 2017

Brian Clegg on a hugely useful group of compounds that have a distinct dual personality – from household products to chemical weapons

tert-Butyl Lithium: Chemistry in its element Sep 13, 2017

A pyrophoric reagent that remains one of chemistry's staples and the liquid salts that can tame its wild reactivity

Alizarin: Chemistry in its element Sep 07, 2017

Mike Freemantle introduces a pigment used by William Morris that also gave the Redcoats their distinctive hue

Chlorine trifluoride: Chemistry in its element Aug 31, 2017

Tabitha Watson introduces a poisonous, corrosive and extremely reactive compound that will start 'roaring reactions' with almost anything

Pykrete: Chemistry in its element Aug 23, 2017

A lightweight, bulletproof material made from ice and wood pulp

Sodium polyacrylate: Chemistry in its Element Aug 16, 2017

Kat Arney explains the unlikely link between fake snow and babies' nappies

Indometacin: Chemistry in its element Aug 10, 2017

Mike Freemantle discusses the drug that keeps his gout at bay

Piranha solution: Chemistry in its element Aug 04, 2017

When you need to get your glassware extremely clean, you need a cleaning solution with real 'bite'

Lignin: Chemistry in its element Jul 27, 2017

Wood has been vital in the development of human civilisation. Brian Clegg looks at the compound at its heart

Diphenylchlorarsine: Chemistry in its element Jul 21, 2017

Mike Freemantle introduces a chemical weapon developed in the first world war that fortunately failed to live up to its terrible potential

Aqua regia: Chemistry in its element Jul 13, 2017

Tabitha Watson introduces the most aristocratic of acids: Aqua regia

Chymosin: Chemistry in its element Jul 06, 2017

The enzyme that helps us turn milk into cheese is also responsible for the biggest commercial success story of any genetically modified organism

Casein: Chemistry in its element Jun 28, 2017

One of the most popular plastics of the early 20th century was accidentally invented by a cat, as Kat Arney finds out

Gallium nitride: Chemistry in its element Jun 22, 2017

Despite early setbacks, this conducting crystal shows great promise across a wide range of electronics

Caesium chloride: Chemistry in its element Jun 14, 2017

Caesium chloride is packs a lot of radioactivity into a small volume, making it ideal for treatments where the radioactive material needs to be accurately sited

Rotaxanes: Chemistry in its element Jun 07, 2017

Katrina Kramer speaks with Manchester University researcher David Leigh about compounds that resemble machine parts and could pave the way for molecular robots

Fibrin and fibrinogen: Chemistry in its element May 31, 2017

From scabby knees to life-threatening strokes, this important protein is the fundamental link in the complex molecular chain that forms blood clots.

Propylene glycol: Chemistry in its element May 24, 2017

When a batch of cinnamon whiskey meant for the American market made its way to Europe, it highlighted starkly different regulations controlling how much propylene glycol is allowed in food and drink

Butanone: Chemistry in its element May 17, 2017

If you've ever built plastic scale models of aeroplanes or spacecraft, you'll be familiar with the sharp, sweet smell of butanone

Propranolol hydrochloride: Chemistry in its element May 12, 2017

Rowena Fletcher-Wood discovers how to stave off stage fright, with a simple compound that revolutionised drug development

Anthocyanins: Chemistry in its element May 05, 2017

Michael Freemantle explores the pigments responsible for the rich colours of autumn foliage: 'the last smiles of the year upon the tawny leaves'.

MOFs – Metal–organic frameworks: Chemistry in its element Apr 27, 2017

Katrina Krämer examines these extremely versatile materials and speaks to MOF pioneer Omar Yaghi

Ragwort alkaloids: Chemistry in its element Apr 19, 2017

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids from Ragworts and other plants are popular with pollinators but a potent poison to wildlife and livestock, as Mike Freemantle discovers

Phosphine: Chemistry in its element Apr 13, 2017

Kit Chapman on the compound that could be the chemical cause of mysterious lights in the night: Phosphines

Urushiol: Chemistry in its element Apr 05, 2017

Kat Arney introduces a two-faced tree sap that can cause nasty rashes or be made into beautiful Japanese furniture

Mercuric chloride: Chemistry in its element Mar 31, 2017

Through an early ointment for spots through a medicine for syphilitic Victorians, Michael Freemantle traces the history of highly toxic mercuric chloride

Nepetalactone: Chemistry in its element Mar 22, 2017

The catnip compound that felines go crazy for could have exciting uses for humans, too, as Kat Arney finds out

Spermine and spermidine: Chemistry in its element Mar 15, 2017

Kiki Sanford explores how polyamines found in semen could be related to a long and healthy life

Mustine: Chemistry in its element Mar 08, 2017

Michael Freemantle on chemical weapons and the birth of cancer chemotherapy

CiiE: Molybdenum disulphide Mar 01, 2017

Forming layers just three atoms deep, molybdenum disulfide shows potential in filtration, flexible screens and minuscule transistors

Arsenic trioxide: Chemistry in its element Feb 22, 2017

Kit Chapman explains how a 'daft' pharmacy mix up led to a series of poisonings in Victorian Britain

Darcin: Chemistry in its element Feb 15, 2017

Jane Austen's Mr Darcy lends his name to a pheromone that lets mice feel the love, as Kat Arney discovers

Porphyrins: Chemistry in its element Feb 08, 2017

Brian Clegg examines the colourful compounds that no red-blooded creature can do without: Porphyrins

Solvated electrons: Chemistry in its element Feb 02, 2017

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

Adamantane: Chemistry in its element Jan 26, 2017

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 Jan 19, 2017

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 Jan 11, 2017

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 Jan 04, 2017

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 Dec 21, 2016

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 Dec 14, 2016

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

Diazepam: Chemistry in its element Dec 07, 2016

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

Swainsonine: Chemistry in its element Nov 30, 2016

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 Nov 23, 2016

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

Benzoyl peroxide: Chemistry in its element Nov 16, 2016

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 Nov 09, 2016

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

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP): Chemistry in its element Nov 02, 2016

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 Oct 26, 2016

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

Gabapentin: Chemistry in its element Oct 19, 2016

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 Oct 12, 2016

The story of one of the most ubiquitous artificial compounds

BINAP: Chemistry in its element Oct 06, 2016

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 Sep 28, 2016

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

Quaternary ammonium salts: Chemistry in its element Sep 21, 2016

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

Ergotamine: Chemistry in its element Sep 14, 2016

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

Spinel: Chemistry in its element Sep 07, 2016

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

Aconitine: Chemistry in its element Aug 31, 2016

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 Aug 24, 2016

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

Statins: Chemistry in its element Aug 17, 2016

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 Aug 10, 2016

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

Prodiginines: Chemistry in its element Aug 03, 2016

When the communion bread starts secreting blood, could this be the cause?

Taurine: Chemistry in its element Jul 26, 2016

Kat Arney tells us about the active ingredient in energy drinks

Picric acid: Chemistry in its element Jul 20, 2016

A yellow dress, of the type worn by Jane Austen, sets Michael Freemantle exploring the chemistry of picric acid

Spilanthol: Chemistry in its element Jul 14, 2016

It's the active molecule in the plant known as electric daisies or the toothache plant but it might also make your skin smoother

Thiomersal: Chemistry in its element Jul 06, 2016

Kat Arney introduces the organomercury preservative associated with the current controversy around vaccines

Ammonium carbonate: Chemistry in its element Jun 29, 2016

Ever taken a whiff of smelling salts? For many years, the compound that contributed the pungent pong was ammonium carbonate

Asafoetida: Chemistry in its element Jun 22, 2016

With a name that literally means rotten resin, asafoetida is a surprising food additive and deodorant

Methyl isocyanate: Chemistry in its element Jun 15, 2016

The 1984 accident at Bhopal, India, was the worst in the history of industrial chemistry. It involved a leak of methyl isocyanate

Shikimic acid: Chemistry in its element Jun 08, 2016

Kat Arney introduces a biologically ubiquitous compound, important in beating both infectious viruses and invasive weeds

Sucrose: Chemistry in its element May 31, 2016

The tastiest food additive there is, or the greatest threat to life in the western world?

Cordite: Chemistry in its element May 25, 2016

The Battle of Jutland was fought 100 years ago next week, on May 31st, 1916. A critical role was played by cordite

Coumarin: Chemistry in its element May 18, 2016

Michael Freemantle takes a stroll through 'Jane Austen country' to discover this week's compound: Coumarin

Tetraethyl lead: Chemistry in its element May 11, 2016

For decades, automobile fuel had a dangerous additive: Tetraethyl lead. Matt Gunther explains why a toxic compound was added to our fuel

Haloperidol: Chemistry in its element May 04, 2016

It failed as a painkiller, but Haldol rapidly became an essential medicine for schizophrenia. Raychelle Burks explains more

Cadmium telluride: Chemistry in its element Apr 27, 2016

It may not be the best material for solar cells but it has some distinct advantages

Hydrazine: Chemistry in its element Apr 20, 2016

Rowena Fletcher-Wood on the simple compound that links spandex, automobile safety and space exploration: Hydrazine

Acrylamide: Chemistry in its element Apr 13, 2016

Does burnt toast cause cancer? Martha Henriques explores this complex question

Uranium dioxide: Chemistry in its element Apr 06, 2016

This week's compound has had a glowing career in the arts and a runaway success in the energy sector

Mauveine: Chemistry in its element Mar 30, 2016

Michael Freemantle with a colourful account of the birth of synthetic organic chemistry

Citronellol: Chemistry in its element Mar 23, 2016

Emma Stoye on citronellol - her constant companion when faced with biting bugs

Fluorescein: Chemistry in its element Mar 16, 2016

Kat Arney discovers the compound that first coloured the Chicago river green for St Patrick's Day

Sodium hypochlorite: Chemistry in its element Mar 09, 2016

What do hygienic work surfaces have in common with 19th century French violins? Brian Clegg finds out.

Brominated vegetable oil: Chemistry in its element Mar 02, 2016

Too much cola can mess with your brain. The effects of excess brominated vegetable oil explained

Oseltamivir : Chemistry in its element Feb 24, 2016

Oseltamivir, or Tamiflu, stockpiling during the 2009 H1N1 epidemic highlighted significant problems with drugs trials policy

Flibanserin: Chemistry in its element Feb 17, 2016

Flibanserin was touted to be the female Viagra. Martha Henriques explains why it failed to live up to the hype.

Acrolein: Chemistry in its element Feb 09, 2016

Michael Freemantle relates the history arolein, a poor tear gas with unexpected benefits

Cedrol: Chemistry in its element Feb 03, 2016

Raychelle Burks explains how the scent of cedar wood can be used to destroy pests

Ethidium bromide: Chemistry in its element Jan 27, 2016

Kat Arney shines a light on the fluorescent DNA marker

Calcium carbide: Chemistry in its element Jan 19, 2016

Michael Freemantle tells us of discovery that lit the homes and put the food on the table of millions of people

Ectoparasiticides: Chemistry in its element Jan 13, 2016

Martha Henriques explains how compounds developed to keep parasites at bay may be protecting rhinos from poachers

Taq Polymerase: Chemistry in its element Dec 16, 2015

Kat Arney reveals how high temperature bacteria provide us with the molecule that speeds up DNA sequencing

Ubiquitin: Chemistry in its element Dec 09, 2015

Kiki Sanford examines the molecule that holds the balance between life and death

Diethyl ether: Chemistry in its element Dec 02, 2015

Michael Freemantle awakens us to the history of diethyl ether

Manganese dioxide: Chemistry in its element Nov 25, 2015

Brian Clegg paints a picture of a compound found in ancient cave paintings and top-of-the-range electronics: Manganese dioxide

Mercury fulminate, Hg(CNO)₂: Chemistry in its element Nov 18, 2015

Michael Freemantle examines the explosive history and chemistry of mercury fulminate

Zirconium tungstate: Chemistry in its element Nov 11, 2015

Generally, things get bigger as they get hotter. Neil Withers examines one of the exceptions – zirconium tungstate

Toluene: Chemistry in its element Nov 04, 2015

There's more to toluene than TNT, as Brian Clegg reveals

Guncotton or nitrocellulose: Chemistry in its element Oct 28, 2015

From an apron aflame to a popular propellant, Michael Freemantle tracks the history of guncotton

Thiamine or vitamin B: Chemistry in its element Oct 22, 2015

Brian Clegg introduces an essential nutrient, and the first to hold the name 'vitamin': Thiamine or vitamin B

Cephalosporins: Chemistry in its element Oct 15, 2015

A story which starts knee-deep in sewage and ends with the spread of drug resistant infections like MRSA

Lewisite: Chemistry in its element Oct 07, 2015

Wouldn't it be great to have a molecule named after you? But perhaps not this week's compound, the chemical weapon lewisite

Xenon hexafluoroplatinate: Chemistry in its element Sep 30, 2015

Hayley Birch discovers the compound that opened up a wing of the periodic table for reactions: Xenon hexafluoroplatinate

Sodium azide: Chemistry in its element Sep 23, 2015

Raychelle Burks finds out how Potbelly's patrons became poisoning patients, in the mystery of the sodium azide-laced iced tea

Gelsemine : Chemistry in its element Sep 21, 2015

In this week's podcast, Matt Gunther reveals the toxic history of gelsemine

Methyl salicylate: Chemistry in its element Sep 15, 2015

In this week's podcast, Raychelle Burks tells us of the cool but warming effects of methyl salicylate, better known as oil of wintergreen.

Antimony sulfide: Chemistry in its element Sep 02, 2015

It's at the heart of the first chemical equation, and makes Hayley Birch think of quiche. This week's compound is antimony sulfide

Isoprene : Chemistry in its element Aug 26, 2015

Why do the Blue Ridged Mountains inspire so many songs? Maybe it's because of the Isoprene that gives them their blue hue...

Gluten : Chemistry in its element Aug 19, 2015

Emilie Steinmark tells us about gluten and gluten intolerance

2,4-Dinitrophenol: Chemistry in its element Aug 12, 2015

Simon Cotton explains the explosive history and the dangers to health of the weight-loss drug, 2,4-dinitrophenol

Vanadium Oxides: Chemistry in its element Aug 05, 2015

Brian Clegg introduces an exotic chemical dynasty: the Vanadium oxides

Adrenaline: Chemistry in its element Jul 29, 2015

Simon Cotton on the compound that turns a shrinking violet into a hero: Adrenaline

Polydimethylsiloxane: Chemistry in its element Jul 22, 2015

Brian Clegg tells us about a silicone gel, which can sometimes be a bit silly

Carminic acid: Chemistry in its element Jul 17, 2015

Raychelle Burks introduces a red dye with a prickly history.

Citric acid: Chemistry in its element Jul 08, 2015

If life hands you lemons, make lemonade – or you could make citric acid, a very useful commodity chemical according to Andrew Turley

Sodium sulfate: Chemistry in its element Jul 01, 2015

Brian Clegg on sodium sulfate, known as 'the miraculous salt' because of its strong laxative effects.

Methanol: Chemistry in its element Jun 24, 2015

Tempted by a tipple of home-brewed moonshine? Andrew Turley examines the risks associated with drinking methanol.

Cortisol & Hydrocortisone: Chemistry in its element Jun 16, 2015

Brian Clegg investigates a compound that calms inflamed joints and excites the stressed brain: Cortisol

Parabens: Chemistry in its element Jun 10, 2015

Ben Valsler examines the chemicals at the heart of one of the latest cosmetic & food additive scare stories: Parabens

Phosgene: Chemistry in its element Jun 03, 2015

Matt Gunther investigates a clear, colourless gas responsible for thousands of deaths in the Great War: Phosgene

Calcium hydroxide: Chemistry in its element May 27, 2015

It rendered walls of pyramids and helps remove unwanted hair - Brian Clegg introduces a compound with many names - Calcium hydroxide

Nacre: Chemistry in its element May 20, 2015

From a glamorous necklace to cutting edge body armour - Helen Scales investigates the properties of nacre

Hyaluronic acid: Chemistry in its element May 13, 2015

Brian Clegg smooths out the wrinkles over the darling of the cosmetic industry, hyaluronic acid

Mussel adhesive proteins: Chemistry in its element May 06, 2015

How do mussels stick tight and weather the constant ocean waves? Helen Scales discovers mussel adhesive proteins

Acetylene: Chemistry in its element Apr 29, 2015

Brian Clegg introduces a compound steeped in faded Victorian glamour – acetylene

CS gas: Chemistry in its element Apr 22, 2015

Simon Cotton examines a compound banned in warfare but still used by police to disperse crowds: CS gas

Goethite: Chemistry in its element Apr 16, 2015

It's the strongest known biological material and one of the earliest pigments - Helen Scales discovers goethite

Niacin: Chemistry in its element Apr 08, 2015

Brian Clegg discusses the vitamin found in both breakfast cereal and meteorites: Niacin

Octane: Chemistry in its element Apr 01, 2015

Start your engines! Simon Cotton looks into one of the few chemical names known well to the public: Octane

Fluorides: Chemistry in its element Mar 25, 2015

Sensible approach to dental rot or sinister communist plot? Brian Clegg examines the much-maligned fluorides

Prozac: Chemistry in its element Mar 18, 2015

Simon Cotton introduces the first of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants: Prozac

Sodium thiopental: Chemistry in its element Mar 11, 2015

Once thought to extract the truth and now used to enact the ultimate punishment, this week's compound is sodium thiopental

Barbituric acid: Chemistry in its element Mar 04, 2015

It may have been largely superceded in the clinic but Phil Robinson discovers there is no rest yet for barbituric acid

RNA: Chemistry in its element Feb 25, 2015

RNA may be less famous than it's more stable cousin, but is central to cellular function

Hydrofluoric acid : Chemistry in its element Feb 18, 2015

Breaking Bad may have exaggerated its body-dissolving effects, but Katrina Krämer finds the truth about hydrofluoric acid is just as gruesome

Borax: Chemistry in its element Feb 11, 2015

From lemon-fresh detergent to home made silly putty, Jenna Bilbrey expounds the virtues of borax

PEDOT: Chemistry in its element Feb 04, 2015

Brian Clegg introduces the 'ogres' that make up transparent electronics

Grubbs catalyst: Chemistry in its element Jan 28, 2015

Nina Notman describes the dance of olefin metathesis, and how the tempo is set by Grubbs' catalysts

Titanium nitride: Chemistry in its element Jan 21, 2015

Brian Clegg explains how titanium nitride could protect artificial joints and pimp out your ride

Tungsten carbide: Chemistry in its element Jan 14, 2015

Matt Gunther introduces the alloy that links armour-piercing bullets and ball point pens: Tungsten carbide

Paraquat: Chemistry in its element Jan 07, 2015

Brian Clegg introduces a weedkiller whose name has entered public consciousness – Paraquat

Frankincense and myrrh: Chemistry in its element Dec 24, 2014

In this seasonal podcast, we look at the compounds found in frankincense and myrrh

Isoniazid: Chemistry in its element Dec 17, 2014

Nina Notman introduces isoniazid - an antibiotic key to treating tuberculosis

Aspartame: Chemistry in its element Dec 10, 2014

Could this be the sweetener that causes the most online panic?

Cannabicyclohexanol: Chemistry in its element Dec 03, 2014

Used to make synthetic cannabis, cannabicyclohexanol may be more risky than its non-synthetic counterpart

Tramadol: Chemistry in its element Nov 26, 2014

Simon Cotton introduces the painkiller tramadol – could this be the next banned drug in competitive cycling?

Insulin: Chemistry in its element Nov 19, 2014

A protein with an impressive roster of 'firsts': Anna Lewcock introduces insulin

Psilocybin & Mescaline: Chemistry in its element Nov 12, 2014

Simon Cotton explores our hallucinogenic horizons with psilocybin and mescaline

Selenium dioxide: Chemistry in its element Nov 05, 2014

It smells of 'rotting horseradish' but gives glass a magnificent red colour – Brian Clegg shines a light on selenium dioxide

Human growth hormone: Chemistry in its element Oct 29, 2014

Marketed as a path to eternal youth but banned in professional sports, Hayley Simon introduces human growth hormone

Magnesium chloride: Chemistry in its element Oct 23, 2014

It may have no common name, but as Brian Clegg explains, magnesium chloride has many common uses

Acetone peroxide: Chemistry in its element Oct 15, 2014

Simon Cotton takes us back to a dark day in UK history, to highlight a terrible use of acetone peroxide

MDMA: Chemistry in its element Oct 09, 2014

The drug that fuelled rave culture may yet be a treatment for PTSD. Hayley Simon introduces MDMA

Ethane: Chemistry in its element Oct 02, 2014

Why would a simple molecule used to produce plastics excite astronomers? Brian Clegg introduces ethane

Tantalum pentoxide: Chemistry in its element Sep 24, 2014

Lars Öhrström explains how tantalum(V)oxide banished 'the brick' and allows your mobile phone to fit in your pocket

Sodium alginate: Chemistry in its element Sep 17, 2014

When Brian Clegg's acid reflux strikes, he knows he can rely on help from this compound: Sodium alginate

Trimethylamine: Chemistry in its element Sep 10, 2014

It reeks of rotting fish but finds use in a range of applications - Jenna Bilbrey introduces trimethylamine

Phenol: Chemistry in its element Sep 03, 2014

Phenol, that mainstay of the chemical industry, was a familiar smell around the house in soap. Brian Clegg reveals all

Glycerol: Chemistry in its element Aug 27, 2014

Simon Cotton describes one of his favourite school chemistry experiments, involving this week's compound: Glycerol

Osmium tetraoxide: Chemistry in its element Aug 20, 2014

It's highly toxic but essential for studying detailed structures of cells. Brian Clegg introduces osmium tetraoxide

Magnesium oxide: Chemistry in its element Aug 13, 2014

You may have created it in a fiery flash or taken it to soothe a burning stomach. Simon Cotton on magnesium oxide

Antifreeze glycoproteins: Chemistry in its element Aug 06, 2014

Why don't fish freeze in sub-zero seas? Helen Scales introduces the compounds that protect them - antifreeze glycoproteins

Isoamyl acetate: Chemistry in its element Jul 30, 2014

It makes a sweet banana-flavoured treat, but can ruin home brewed beer; Jenna Bilbrey introduces isoamyl acetate

Bisphenol A: Chemistry in its element Jul 23, 2014

The science is far from settled, but this week's compound – bisphenol A – is facing bans across the world

Tributyltin: Chemistry in its element Jul 16, 2014

Helen Scales investigates tributyltin, banned from use as anti-fouling paint for causing 'imposex' in marine life

Desomorphine: Chemistry in its element Jul 09, 2014

From potential painkiller to kitchen-cooked heroin replacement, Nate Adams tracks the history of desomorphine

Squalene: Chemistry in its element Jul 02, 2014

It helps keep sharks afloat, but may be partly responsible for their declining numbers: Helen Scales introduces squalene

Albumin: Chemistry in its element Jun 25, 2014

Nathan Adams introduces a confusingly-named protein that's essential for keeping blood flowing: Albumin

Vermilion: Chemistry in its element Jun 18, 2014

Neil Withers finds out how vermilion has been keeping human civilisation looking bright and beautifully red for centuries

Pyridine: Chemistry in its element Jun 11, 2014

Brian Clegg holds his nose to examine one of the real workhorses of the organic chemistry lab: Pyridine

Cytochrome P450: Chemistry in its element Jun 04, 2014

Nathan Adams investigates some of the most important molecular machines within our cells, the cytochrome p450 enzymes

Ammonium dichromate: Chemistry in its element May 28, 2014

Brian Clegg reminisces about indoor fireworks and Vesuvian fire with this week's compound: Ammonium dichromate

Melatonin: Chemistry in its element May 22, 2014

Meet melatonin, the 'Dracula of hormones', essential in regulating the body's natural circadian rhythm

Naphthalene: Chemistry in its element May 14, 2014

Once a fusty way of keeping moths out of clothes, Brian Clegg explains how naphthalene may have helped bring life to Earth

Diphenyl oxalate: Chemistry in its element May 07, 2014

Nature has a range of ways to create bioluminescence. Not to be outdone, chemists create their own glow with diphenyl oxalate.

Tannins: Chemistry in its element Apr 30, 2014

They are the compounds that link leather trousers to a nice cup of tea - Brian Clegg introduces tannins

Prolactin: Chemistry in its element Apr 23, 2014

Anna Lewcock finds out how pigeons played a major role in discovering an important pituitary hormone, prolactin

Luminol: Chemistry in its element Apr 16, 2014

Amongst the fictional forensic equipment shown on television, Brian Clegg notices one distinctly non-fiction stalwart: Luminol

Dichloromethane: Chemistry in its element Apr 09, 2014

It smells sweet, is potentially lethal and organic chemists rely on it: Emily James on dichloromethane

Dibromoindigo: Chemistry in its element Apr 02, 2014

Purple was once a colour only royalty could afford to wear. Hayley Birch investigates tyrian purple, or dibromoindigo, the original purple dye

Batrachotoxin: Chemistry in its element Mar 26, 2014

Stephen Wallace introduces batrachotoxin, a deadly toxin that comes from a beautiful little frog

Helium hydride: Chemistry in its element Mar 19, 2014

Brian Clegg introduces the first compound to ever exist - helium hydride

Streptomycin: Chemistry in its element Mar 12, 2014

Simon Cotton introduces the first antibiotic known to kill TB: Streptomycin

Alum: Chemistry in its element Mar 05, 2014

Lars Öhrström delves into the history of alum, a compound linked to some of Europe's most infamous families

Hirudin: Chemistry in its element Feb 26, 2014

Helen Scales investigates hirudin, a powerful anticoagulant found in leech saliva

Ketamine: Chemistry in its element Feb 19, 2014

Simon Cotton explores a dance-scene drug that was designed for horses, ketamine

Ethene: Chemistry in its element Feb 12, 2014

Hayley Birch discovers the compound that links explosive anaesthetics, plastics and ripe bananas: Ethene

Lactose: Chemistry in its element Feb 05, 2014

Lactose intolerance leads to unpleasant and antisocial symptoms. Lars Öhrström finds out why

Tetrahydrogestrinone: Chemistry in its element Jan 29, 2014

Simon Cotton investigates tetrahydrogestrinone (THG), a designer steroid that sparked a sporting scandal

Acetaldehyde: Chemistry in its element Jan 22, 2014

Brian Clegg meets a simple organic compound with a reputation for being something of a bruiser

Paracetamol: Chemistry in its element Jan 15, 2014

Simon Cotton looks back at the history of one of our favourite painkillers, paracetamol

Conotoxins: Chemistry in its element Jan 08, 2014

Helen Scales finds out how unique toxins found in deadly cone snail stings could herald the next generation of painkillers

Boron nitride: Chemistry in its element Dec 17, 2013

Brian Clegg explains how the versatile compound boron nitride may be 'the best kept secret in all of chemistry'

Glyphosate: Chemistry in its element Dec 11, 2013

A popular way to weed out unwanted pest plants, Jen Newton introduces Glyphosate

Guaiacol: Chemistry in its element Dec 04, 2013

This week, Ben Valsler investigates the smoky compound that links whisky, kippers, bacon, hot dogs, coffee, creosote and cough syrup

Hexenal: Chemistry in its element Nov 27, 2013

For many, it's the smell of spring and summer. But hexenal - responsible for the aroma of freshly cut grass - makes Simon Cotton think of cricket.

Potassium bromide: Chemistry in its element Nov 20, 2013

Did chemistry help control tension in the trenches? Brian Clegg investigates potassium bromide

Napalm: Chemistry in its element Nov 13, 2013

A devastating weapon indelibly associated with Apocalypse Now and the Vietnam war, Simon Cotton introduces Napalm

Tamoxifen: Chemistry in its element Nov 06, 2013

Tamoxifen can treat and prevent one type of breast cancer, without the side effects of chemotherapy. Andrew Holding explains more

Phenylthiocarbamide: Chemistry in its element Oct 30, 2013

By tasting fantastically bitter, but only to some, phenylthiocarbamide (or PTC) exposed the genetics of taste

Nitinol: Chemistry in its element Oct 23, 2013

Sitting on your glasses is no longer a death sentence for spectacles, thanks to shape memory alloys like nitinol

Titin: Chemistry in its element Oct 16, 2013

It's a massive molecular record breaker. Andrew Holding introduces Titin, the largest protein in the human body

Spanish fly: Chemistry in its element Oct 10, 2013

Helen Scales looks at cantharidin, the active ingredient in this famous aphrodisiac

Serotonin: Chemistry in its element Oct 02, 2013

Serotonin, the 'happy molecule', may be at the root of depression, but Hayley Birch finds we still have a lot to learn

Thujone: Chemistry in its element Sep 25, 2013

Wrongly blamed for murders and hallucinations, Simon Cotton raises a glass of absinthe to this week's compound: Thujone

Ambergris: Chemistry in its element Sep 18, 2013

How can whale waste make you a fortune? This week, Helen Scales searches for Ambergris

Wilkinson's Catalyst: Chemistry in its element Sep 06, 2013

Simon Cotton introduces the dynamic Sir Geoffrey Wilkinson, and the catalyst that carries his name

Atropine: Chemistry in its element Sep 04, 2013

The poison from deadly nightshade, used in a recent attempted murder - Dan Johnson introduces atropine

Zinc oxide: Chemistry in its element Aug 28, 2013

Brian Clegg is taken back to his childhood by zinc oxide

Polyacetylene: Chemistry in its element Aug 21, 2013

David Lindsay explores the first of the conducting organic polymers, polyacetylene

Chitin: Chemistry in its element Aug 14, 2013

It's the compound that creates a lucrative market from leftover lobster. Emma Stoye introduces chitin

Erythropoietin: Chemistry in its element Aug 08, 2013

Developed to save lives, its potential to give cheats an edge was soon identified. David Lindsay explores erythropoietin

Curcumin: Chemistry in its element Jul 31, 2013

For an aromatic curry and, potentially, a healthier life, Simon Cotton recommends curcumin

Cellulose acetate: Chemistry in its element Jul 24, 2013

It kept the explosions on the silver screen instead of in the projection booth - Brian Clegg on cellulose acetate

Botox: Chemistry in its element Jul 18, 2013

Just 50 grams could kill everyone on the planet, but we have it injected into our faces. David Lindsay on Botox

Imidacloprid: Chemistry in its element Jul 10, 2013

Phillip Broadwith discusses one of the neonicitinoid insecticides believed to be causing problems for bees

PVC: Chemistry in its element Jul 03, 2013

To some it looks cheap and nasty, for others it's a sensible (or even sexy) design decision. Brian Clegg wraps himself in PVC

Resveratrol: Chemistry in its element Jun 26, 2013

Can a compound in red wine protect against heart attack and cancer? Phillip Broadwith investigates resveratrol

Phosphoric Acid: Chemistry in its element Jun 19, 2013

Lars Öhrström on phosphoric acid: Crucial for crops and DNA's backbone, it's the energy currency of the biological world

Cyanoacrylate: Chemistry in its element Jun 12, 2013

It repairs objects, heals wounds and fights crime. It puts the 'super' in superglue. Emma Stoye introduces cyanoacrylate

VX: Chemistry in its element Jun 05, 2013

The stuff of action films and horrifying news stories, Simon Cotton introduces the infamous nerve agent, VX

Alumina: Chemistry in its element May 29, 2013

It's a catalyst, an abrasive, a bright white pigment and the basis for beautiful gemstones - Neil Withers introduces Alumina

Cathinone: Chemistry in its element May 22, 2013

Simon Cotton introduces us to cathinone, the active ingredient in the stimulant Khat

Digoxin: Chemistry in its element May 15, 2013

Emma Stoye on digoxin, a toxic product of foxgloves, and the birth of modern pharmacology

YBCO - Yttrium Barium Copper Oxide: Chemistry in its element May 08, 2013

Neil Withers recalls making this groundbreaking superconductor as a student

Ferrocene: Chemistry in its element May 02, 2013

Lars Öhrström gets his teeth into the first sandwich compound

Oxalic acid: Chemistry in its element Apr 25, 2013

Lars Öhrström finds a link between Napoleon III and rhubarb

Denatonium benzoate: Chemistry in its element Apr 18, 2013

Brian Clegg has a sniff at the bitterest substance known to science

Magnesium sulfate: Chemistry in its element Apr 10, 2013

Brian Clegg explains how bath salts may actually be more than just relaxing

Vancomycin: Chemistry in its element Apr 03, 2013

Simon Cotton explains the discovery of 'the drug of last resort'

Chloral hydrate: Chemistry in its element Mar 27, 2013

Brian Clegg raises a glass to unscrupulous barmen

Nitrogen dioxide: Chemistry in its element Mar 21, 2013

Simon Cotton looks at the rocket propellant that causes environmental problems

Cadmium sulfide: Chemistry in its element Mar 13, 2013

Brian Clegg brightens up our lives with some bright yellow chemistry

Menthol: Chemistry in its element Mar 06, 2013

Simon Cotton channels the Fonz and stays cool

Opsins: Chemistry in its element Feb 27, 2013

Brian Clegg opens our eyes to the compounds that enable sight

Uk37: Chemistry in its element Feb 20, 2013

Josh Howgego looks into the past, with help from some alkenones

Salvarsan: Chemistry in its element Feb 13, 2013

Philip Robinson tells us about the first chemotherapeutic drug

CFCs: Chemistry in its element Feb 06, 2013

Brian Clegg looks at one of the original environmental villains

Prussian blue: Chemistry in its element Jan 30, 2013

Laura Howes looks back to a time when feeling blue was a good thing - and wearing it was 'bling'

Oxytocin: Chemistry in its element Jan 23, 2013

Josh Howgego prepares to socialise - and tells us why 'cuddle chemicals' are too good to be true

Rust: Chemistry in its element Jan 16, 2013

Rust podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Silicones: Chemistry in its element Jan 09, 2013

Silicones podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Edta: Chemistry in its element Dec 19, 2012

EDTA podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Geosmin: Chemistry in its element Dec 14, 2012

Geosmin podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Urea: Chemistry in its element Dec 05, 2012

Urea podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Tetracycline: Chemistry in its element Nov 28, 2012

Tetracycline podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Vinegar: Chemistry in its element Nov 21, 2012

Vinegar podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Ricin: Chemistry in its element Nov 14, 2012

Ricin podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Thalidomide: Chemistry in its element Nov 07, 2012

Thalidomide podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Keratin: Chemistry in its element Oct 31, 2012

Keratin podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Graphene: Chemistry in its element Oct 24, 2012

Graphene podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Lithium_carbonate: Chemistry in its element Oct 17, 2012

Lithium carbonate podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Folic_acid: Chemistry in its element Oct 10, 2012

Folic acid podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Galantamine: Chemistry in its element Oct 03, 2012

Galantamine podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Potassium chlorate: Chemistry in its element Sep 26, 2012

Fireworks, explosives, spacecraft – Neil Withers explains why potassium chlorate is the sort of compound that draws attention to chemistry

Artemisinin: Chemistry in its element Sep 19, 2012

Artemisinin podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Pectin: Chemistry in its element Sep 12, 2012

Pectin podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Coniine: Chemistry in its element Sep 05, 2012

Coniine podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Lactic acid: Chemistry in its element Aug 29, 2012

Lactic acid podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Ptfe: Chemistry in its element Aug 22, 2012

PTFE podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Uf6: Chemistry in its element Aug 15, 2012

UF6 podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Saccharin: Chemistry in its element Aug 09, 2012

Saccharin podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Putrescine: Chemistry in its element Aug 01, 2012

Putrescine podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Lycra: Chemistry in its element Jul 25, 2012

Lycra podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Deet: Chemistry in its element Jul 18, 2012

DEET podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Nitrous oxide: Chemistry in its element Jul 11, 2012

Nitrous oxide podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Histamine: Chemistry in its element Jul 04, 2012

Histamine podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Nitroglycerine: Chemistry in its element Jun 27, 2012

Nitroglycerine podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Titanium dioxide: Chemistry in its element Jun 20, 2012

Titanium dioxide podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Potassium nitrate: Chemistry in its element Jun 14, 2012

Potassium nitrate podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Carbon tetrachloride: Chemistry in its element Jun 06, 2012

Carbon tetrachloride podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Heavy water: Chemistry in its element May 30, 2012

Heavy water podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Muscone: Chemistry in its element May 16, 2012

Muscone podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Ddt: Chemistry in its element May 09, 2012

DDT podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Cyclodextrin: Chemistry in its element May 02, 2012

Cyclodextrin podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Lidocaine: Chemistry in its element Apr 25, 2012

Lidocaine podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

2-methylundecanal: Chemistry in its element Apr 18, 2012

2-Methylundecanal podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Ozone: Chemistry in its element Apr 11, 2012

Ozone podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Penicillin: Chemistry in its element Apr 04, 2012

Penicillin podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Kevlar: Chemistry in its element Mar 28, 2012

Kevlar podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Vitamin c: Chemistry in its element Mar 21, 2012

Vitamin C podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Vitamin d: Chemistry in its element Mar 14, 2012

Vitamin D podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Chlorophyll: Chemistry in its element Mar 07, 2012

Chlorophyll podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Hydrochloric acid: Chemistry in its element Feb 29, 2012

Hydrochloric acid podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Tnt: Chemistry in its element Feb 22, 2012

TNT podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Haemoglobin: Chemistry in its element Feb 15, 2012

Haemoglobin podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Formic acid: Chemistry in its element Feb 08, 2012

Formic acid podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Morphine: Chemistry in its element Feb 02, 2012

Morphine podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Carbon monoxide: Chemistry in its element Jan 25, 2012

Carbon monoxide podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Testosterone: Chemistry in its element Jan 18, 2012

Testosterone podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Theobromine: Chemistry in its element Jan 11, 2012

Theobromine podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Neuraminic acid: Chemistry in its element Jan 04, 2012

Neuraminic acid podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Tartrazine: Chemistry in its element Dec 21, 2011

Tartrazine podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Green fluorescent protein: Chemistry in its element Dec 15, 2011

Green fluorescent protein podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Nitric acid: Chemistry in its element Dec 08, 2011

Nitric acid podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Cryolite: Chemistry in its element Nov 30, 2011

Cryolite podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Acetylcholine: Chemistry in its element Nov 23, 2011

Acetylcholine podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Strychnine: Chemistry in its element Nov 16, 2011

Strychnine podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Potassium permanganate: Chemistry in its element Nov 09, 2011

Potassium permanganate podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Acetone: Chemistry in its element Nov 09, 2011

Acetone podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Nylon: Chemistry in its element Nov 02, 2011

Nylon podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Aspirin: Chemistry in its element Oct 26, 2011

Aspirin podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Vanillin: Chemistry in its element Oct 19, 2011

Vanillin podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Sulfur mustard: Chemistry in its element Oct 12, 2011

Sulfur mustard podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Adenosine triphosphate: Chemistry in its element Oct 05, 2011

Adenosine triphosphate podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Ammonia: Chemistry in its element Sep 28, 2011

Ammonia podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Bombykol: Chemistry in its element Sep 21, 2011

Bombykol podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Hydrogen cyanide: Chemistry in its element Sep 14, 2011

Hydrogen cyanide podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Beta carotene: Chemistry in its element Sep 07, 2011

Beta carotene podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Polyhydroxybutyrate: Chemistry in its element Aug 31, 2011

Polyhydroxybutyrate podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Formaldehyde: Chemistry in its element Aug 24, 2011

Formaldehyde podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Glucose: Chemistry in its element Aug 18, 2011

Glucose podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Rubber: Chemistry in its element Aug 10, 2011

Rubber podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Dimethylmercury: Chemistry in its element Aug 03, 2011

Dimethylmercury podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Chloroform: Chemistry in its element Jul 27, 2011

Chloroform podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Calcium carbonate: Chemistry in its element Jul 21, 2011

Calcium carbonate podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Sulfanilamide: Chemistry in its element Jul 13, 2011

Sulfanilamide podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Nitric oxide: Chemistry in its element Jul 08, 2011

Phillip Broadwith investigates the simplest of the nitrogen oxides – and Science magazine's 'Molecule of the year' in 1992 – nitric oxide.

Taxol: Chemistry in its element Jul 06, 2011

Taxol podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Benzene: Chemistry in its element Jun 29, 2011

Benzene podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Cocaine: Chemistry in its element Jun 23, 2011

Cocaine podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Hydrogen peroxide: Chemistry in its element Jun 15, 2011

Hydrogen peroxide podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Buckminsterfullerene: Chemistry in its element Jun 08, 2011

Buckminsterfullerene podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Silver nitrate: Chemistry in its element Jun 01, 2011

Silver nitrate podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Copper sulfate: Chemistry in its element May 25, 2011

Copper sulfate podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Capsaicin: Chemistry in its element May 18, 2011

Capsaicin podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Lsd: Chemistry in its element May 11, 2011

LSD podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Petrol: Chemistry in its element May 04, 2011

Petrol podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Dimethyl sulfide: Chemistry in its element Apr 27, 2011

Dimethyl sulfide podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Dna: Chemistry in its element Apr 20, 2011

DNA podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Glutamate: Chemistry in its element Apr 13, 2011

Glutamate podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Quinine: Chemistry in its element Apr 06, 2011

Quinine podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Methamphetamine: Chemistry in its element Mar 30, 2011

Methamphetamine podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Ammonium nitrate: Chemistry in its element Mar 23, 2011

Ammonium nitrate podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Polythene: Chemistry in its element Mar 16, 2011

Polythene podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Silicon dioxide: Chemistry in its element Mar 09, 2011

Silicon dioxide podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Silver fulminate and cyanate: Chemistry in its element Mar 02, 2011

Silver fulminate and cyanate podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Bakelite: Chemistry in its element Feb 23, 2011

Bakelite podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Salbutamol: Chemistry in its element Feb 16, 2011

Salbutamol podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Sulfuric acid: Chemistry in its element Feb 09, 2011

Sulfuric acid podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Sulfur hexafluoride: Chemistry in its element Feb 02, 2011

Sulfur hexafluoride podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Ethanol: Chemistry in its element Jan 26, 2011

Ethanol podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Nitrogen triiodide: Chemistry in its element Jan 12, 2011

Nitrogen triiodide podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Ethylene glycol: Chemistry in its element Jan 05, 2011

Ethylene glycol podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Tetrodotoxin: Chemistry in its element Dec 22, 2010

Tetrodotoxin podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Sodium hydroxide: Chemistry in its element Dec 15, 2010

Sodium hydroxide podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Tetrahydrocannabinol: Chemistry in its element Dec 08, 2010

Tetrahydrocannabinol podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Methane: Chemistry in its element Dec 01, 2010

A component of natural gas also associated with ignis fatuus and bovine flatulence: Brian Clegg with methane.

Nicotine: Chemistry in its element Nov 24, 2010

Nicotine podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Luciferin: Chemistry in its element Nov 17, 2010

Luciferin podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Nickel carbonyl: Chemistry in its element Nov 10, 2010

Nickel carbonyl podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Caffeine: Chemistry in its element Nov 02, 2010

Caffeine podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Oestrogen: Chemistry in its element Oct 27, 2010

Oestrogen podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Salt: Chemistry in its element Oct 20, 2010

Salt podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Cisplatin: Chemistry in its element Oct 13, 2010

Cisplatin podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Carbon dioxide: Chemistry in its element Oct 06, 2010

Carbon dioxide podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Cholesterol: Chemistry in its element Sep 28, 2010

Cholesterol podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Water: Chemistry in its element Sep 22, 2010

Water podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Lawrencium: Chemistry in its element Sep 14, 2010

Lawrencium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Didymium – Neodymium and Praseodymium: Chemistry in its element Sep 14, 2010

Two elements for the price of one! Andrea Sella peers through didymium glass and examines the discovery of neodymium and praseodymium

Hassium: Chemistry in its element Sep 07, 2010

Hassium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Bohrium: Chemistry in its element Sep 01, 2010

Bohrium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Caesium: Chemistry in its element Aug 24, 2010

Caesium

Berkelium: Chemistry in its element Aug 17, 2010

Berkelium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Xenon: Chemistry in its element Aug 10, 2010

Xenon podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Nickel: Chemistry in its element Aug 04, 2010

Nickel podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Ununquadium: Chemistry in its element Jul 28, 2010

Flerovium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Sodium: Chemistry in its element Jul 22, 2010

Sodium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Ununoctium: Chemistry in its element Jul 14, 2010

Ununoctium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Lutetium: Chemistry in its element Jul 08, 2010

Lutetium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Fermium: Chemistry in its element Jun 30, 2010

Fermium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Rhodium: Chemistry in its element Jun 23, 2010

Rhodium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Darmstadtium: Chemistry in its element Jun 16, 2010

Darmstadtium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Molybdenum: Chemistry in its element Jun 09, 2010

Molybdenum podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Nobelium: Chemistry in its element Jun 02, 2010

Nobelium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Gadolinium: Chemistry in its element May 26, 2010

Gadolinium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Scandium: Chemistry in its element May 18, 2010

Scandium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Thorium: Chemistry in its element May 11, 2010

Thorium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Niobium: Chemistry in its element May 05, 2010

Niobium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Dysprosium: Chemistry in its element Apr 28, 2010

Dysprosium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Samarium: Chemistry in its element Apr 20, 2010

Samarium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Meitnerium: Chemistry in its element Apr 14, 2010

Meitnerium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Dubnium: Chemistry in its element Apr 07, 2010

Dubnium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Mendelevium: Chemistry in its element Mar 29, 2010

Mendelevium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Curium: Chemistry in its element Mar 23, 2010

Curium

Promethium: Chemistry in its element Mar 17, 2010

Enter the world of Greek mythology to reveal the great powers of the element promethium

Chlorine: Chemistry in its element Mar 09, 2010

Chlorine

Roentgenium: Chemistry in its element Mar 01, 2010

Roentgenium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Silicon: Chemistry in its element Feb 23, 2010

Silicon podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Thulium: Chemistry in its element Feb 16, 2010

Thulium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Rutherfordium: Chemistry in its element Feb 09, 2010

Rutherfordium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Actinium: Chemistry in its element Feb 03, 2010

Actinium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Holmium: Chemistry in its element Jan 27, 2010

Holmium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Yttrium: Chemistry in its element Jan 21, 2010

Yttrium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Neptunium: Chemistry in its element Jan 12, 2010

Neptunium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Chromium: Chemistry in its element Jan 05, 2010

Chromium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Titanium: Chemistry in its element Dec 22, 2009

Titanium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Einsteinium: Chemistry in its element Dec 16, 2009

Einsteinium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Ytterbium: Chemistry in its element Dec 10, 2009

Ytterbium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Palladium: Chemistry in its element Dec 04, 2009

Palladium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Ununbium: Chemistry in its element Nov 24, 2009

Element 112 podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Terbium: Chemistry in its element Nov 18, 2009

Terbium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Rhenium: Chemistry in its element Nov 13, 2009

Rhenium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Indium: Chemistry in its element Nov 03, 2009

Indium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Iridium: Chemistry in its element Oct 27, 2009

Iridium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Protactinium: Chemistry in its element Oct 20, 2009

Protactinium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Tantalum: Chemistry in its element Oct 13, 2009

Tantalum podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Rubidium: Chemistry in its element Oct 05, 2009

Rubidium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Hafnium: Chemistry in its element Sep 22, 2009

Hafnium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Lanthanum: Chemistry in its element Sep 16, 2009

Lanthanum podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Boron: Chemistry in its element Sep 11, 2009

Pat Bailey, from the University of Keele, explains why he thinks boron is like a middle-aged accountant who participates in skydiving and partner swapping parties in his spare time

Calcium: Chemistry in its element Sep 02, 2009

Karen Faulds, University of Strathclyde, on why calcium is so much more than just a constituent of dairy products

Ruthenium: Chemistry in its element Sep 01, 2009

Ruthenium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Cobalt: Chemistry in its element Aug 20, 2009

Sarah Staniland, University of Leeds, tells us about the element behind blue glass

Californium: Chemistry in its element Aug 12, 2009

Science writer Brian Clegg on the element used to trigger nuclear reactions and in moisture gauges used in potential oil wells

Thallium: Chemistry in its element Aug 05, 2009

Thallium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Americium: Chemistry in its element Jul 22, 2009

Science writer Brian Clegg on the difficult to pronounce element whose discovery was announced on a children's radio quiz

Tungsten: Chemistry in its element Jul 20, 2009

Tungsten podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Krypton: Chemistry in its element Jul 16, 2009

Krypton podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Vanadium: Chemistry in its element Jul 02, 2009

Vanadium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Selenium: Chemistry in its element Jul 01, 2009

Selenium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Europium: Chemistry in its element Jun 24, 2009

Science writer Brian Clegg on the element that put red into colour TV and caused a dispute between England and France

Tin: Chemistry in its element Jun 18, 2009

Tin podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Cadmium: Chemistry in its element Jun 03, 2009

Lafayette College's Steve Mylon shares painful lessons on a heavy metal

Fluorine: Chemistry in its element Jun 02, 2009

Kira Weissman, from Saarlandes University in Germany, explores the element that stops eggs sticking to frying pans and keeps astronauts safe in space

Radon: Chemistry in its element May 28, 2009

Radon podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Aluminium: Chemistry in its element May 15, 2009

Kira Weissman, from Saarlandes University in Germany, on why aeroplanes should not be referred to as 'tin boxes'

Germanium: Chemistry in its element Apr 30, 2009

Science writer Brian Clegg on the element that often get confused with the flowering plant geranium

Iron: Chemistry in its element Apr 24, 2009

Iron podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Platinum: Chemistry in its element Apr 22, 2009

Platinum podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Zirconium: Chemistry in its element Apr 18, 2009

Zirconium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Radium: Chemistry in its element Apr 16, 2009

Radium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Iodine: Chemistry in its element Apr 01, 2009

Iodine podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Zinc: Chemistry in its element Mar 26, 2009

Zinc podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Phosphorus: Chemistry in its element Mar 17, 2009

Phosphorus podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Francium: Chemistry in its element Mar 14, 2009

University of Cambridge's Peter Wothers goes hunting for the element that is named after France

Uranium: Chemistry in its element Mar 02, 2009

Uranium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Erbium: Chemistry in its element Mar 01, 2009

UCL's Andrea Sella tells us about a pink coloured element that contributed to the birth of spectroscopy

Gallium: Chemistry in its element Feb 19, 2009

Andrea Sella, from UCL, talks about licking the M & M element gallium - something we would not recommend you try at home

Beryllium: Chemistry in its element Feb 17, 2009

Chemistry World's Richard Van Noorden on the element that gave us spark proof tools for the oil industry and a deadly lung condition

Lithium: Chemistry in its element Feb 16, 2009

Lithium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Carbon: Chemistry in its element Feb 15, 2009

Katherine Holt of UCL admires diamond - carbon in its most glamorous form

Manganese: Chemistry in its element Jan 07, 2009

Manganese podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Bismuth: Chemistry in its element Jan 01, 2009

UCL's Andrea Sella succumbs to the lure of shiny bars of bismuth

Neon: Chemistry in its element Dec 12, 2008

Neon podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Tellurium: Chemistry in its element Dec 11, 2008

Tellurium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Arsenic: Chemistry in its element Dec 10, 2008

Chemistry World's Bea Perks explains the link between poison, aphrodisiacs, the smell of garlic and Napoleon's wallpaper

Potassium: Chemistry in its element Nov 06, 2008

Potassium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Copper: Chemistry in its element Oct 24, 2008

Poor copper, US chemist Steve Mylon from Lafayette College explains how a wonderful metal has been superficially overlooked

Argon: Chemistry in its element Oct 17, 2008

Author John Emsley explains how a very lazy element redeemed itself

Sulfur: Chemistry in its element Oct 13, 2008

Sulfur podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Barium: Chemistry in its element Oct 02, 2008

What is the link between rat poison, fireworks, fine glass and enemas? Marine chemist Adina Paytan from the University of California Santa Cruz explains

Hydrogen: Chemistry in its element Sep 29, 2008

Hydrogen podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Mercury: Chemistry in its element Sep 24, 2008

Mercury podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Strontium: Chemistry in its element Sep 18, 2008

Strontium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Helium: Chemistry in its element Sep 11, 2008

Helium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Seaborgium: Chemistry in its element Aug 28, 2008

Seaborgium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Cerium: Chemistry in its element Aug 14, 2008

UCL chemist Andrea Sella explains how he discovered a therapeutic use for his favourite element

Osmium: Chemistry in its element Aug 01, 2008

Osmium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Magnesium: Chemistry in its element Jul 24, 2008

Magnesium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Antimony: Chemistry in its element Jul 17, 2008

Science writer Philip Ball tells the story of the element that started a war

Astatine: Chemistry in its element Jul 10, 2008

Even the rarest element on Earth has its uses according to Mark Peplow

Lead: Chemistry in its element Jul 04, 2008

Lead podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Technetium: Chemistry in its element Jul 04, 2008

Technetium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Plutonium: Chemistry in its element Jun 17, 2008

Plutonium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Polonium: Chemistry in its element Jun 17, 2008

Polonium podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Nitrogen: Chemistry in its element Jun 17, 2008

Nitrogen podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Bromine: Chemistry in its element Apr 24, 2008

Chemist and author John Emsley describes the history of this dangerous and very smelly chemical

Silver: Chemistry in its element Apr 24, 2008

Silver podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Gold: Chemistry in its element Apr 18, 2008

Gold podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Oxygen: Chemistry in its element Apr 18, 2008

Oxygen podcast from Chemistry World - the magazine of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

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