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Some of the more common chemical formulae.
Corundum is the most common naturally-occurring crystalline form of aluminium oxide. Much less-common rubies and sapphires are gem-quality forms of corundum with their characteristic colors due to trace impurities in the corundum structure. It is a weak acid often used as an antiseptic, insecticide (eg. antkiller), flame retardant and in nuclear power plants to control the fission rate of uranium. Also known as boracic acid or orthoboric acid or Acidum Boricum. An organic chemical compound that gives vinegar its sour taste and pungent smell. Also known as ethanoic acid. It is a natural preservative and is also used to add an acidic, or sour taste to foods and soft drinks. It exists in a variety of fruits and vegetables, most notably citrus fruits. Aspirin. Often used as an analgesic to relieve minor aches and pains, as an antipyretic to reduce fever, and as an anti-inflammatory medication. Also has an anti-platelet or anti-clotting effect and is used in long-term, low doses to prevent heart attacks, strokes and blood clot formation Acetylsalicylic Acid. Often used as an analgesic to relieve minor aches and pains, as an antipyretic to reduce fever, and as an anti-inflammatory medication. Also has an antiplatelet or "anti-clotting" effect and is used in long-term, low doses to prevent heart attacks, strokes and blood clot formation Aka: Mothballs. Trace amounts of naphthalene are produced by magnolias and specific types of deer, as well as the Formosan subterranean termite, possibly produced by the termite as a repellant against "ants, poisonous fungi and nematode worms. Sugar. It is best known for its role in human nutrition and is formed by plants but not by other organisms such as animals. Also known as Maltose. Aka: Limestone; calcite; aragonite; chalk and marble. A common substance found in rock in all parts of the world, and is the main component of shells of marine organisms, snails, pearls, and eggshells. Calcium carbonate is the active ingredient in agricultural lime, and is usually the principal cause of hard water. It is commonly used medicinally as a calcium supplement or as an antacid It is used as a desiccant. It is also used as a coagulant in products like tofu. The hemihydrate (CaSO4.~0.5H2O) is better known as plaster of Paris, while the dihydrate (CaSO4.2H2O) occurs naturally as gypsum. Sometimes used as a solvent to dissolve fats and oils. Was formerly widely used in fire extinguishers and as a precursor to refrigerants. It is a colourless liquid with a "sweet" smell. Also known as tetrachloromethane and carbon tet. Best known as the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages and in thermometers. In common usage, it is often referred to simply as alcohol. Also called ethyl alcohol, pure alcohol, grain alcohol, or drinking alcohol. The principal component of natural gas. The relative abundance of methane and its clean burning process makes it a very attractive fuel. However, because it is a gas at normal temperature and pressure, methane is difficult to transport Used to be a commonly used anaesthetic. The major use today is in the production of the refrigerant R-22, commonly used in the air conditioning business. However, as the Montreal Protocol takes effect, this use can be expected to decline. Also known as trichloromethane and methyl trichloride. Used in bleaching and disinfectants. As a common disinfectant, chlorine compounds are used in swimming pools. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas. It is used by plants during photosynthesis. A significantly toxic gas, it is the most common type of fatal poisoning in many countries. Common poisoning sources include house fires, furnaces, wood-burning stoves, motor vehicle exhaust, propane-fueled equipment eg. portable camping stoves & faulty diving air compressors. Used as a fungicide. Mixed with lime it is called Bordeaux mixture. A commonly included chemical in children's chemistry sets it is used to grow blue crystals. Water which contains a higher proportion than normal of the isotope deuterium, as deuterium oxide is called heavy water. It is used in certain types of nuclear reactors. Water which contains a higher proportion than normal of the isotope deuterium, as deuterium oxide is called heavy water. It is used in certain types of nuclear reactors. Iron(II) oxide, also known by its former name ferrous oxide or informally as iron monoxide, is one of the iron oxides. It is a black-colored powder. It should not be confused with rust, which usually consists of hydrated iron(III) oxide (ferric oxide Iron Pyrite. This mineral's metallic lustre and pale-to-normal, brass-yellow colour have earned it the name fool's gold due to its resemblance to gold. Fools' Gold. This mineral's metallic lustre and pale-to-normal, brass-yellow hue have earned it the nickname fool's gold due to its resemblance to gold. Peroxide. A weak acid. It has strong oxidising properties and is therefore a powerful bleaching agent that is mostly used for bleaching paper (or hair), but also used as a disinfectant. A strong acid that used to be known as Oil of Vitriol. Principal uses include ore processing, fertiliser manufacturing, oil refining, waste water processing, and chemical synthesis. Commonly known as vitamin C. All living animals either make it, eat it, or die from scurvy due to lack of it. A highly corrosive acid that has major industrial uses. It is found naturally in gastric acid. A highly corrosive and toxic strong acid. Common uses include as a cleaning agent and in explosives (e.g dynamite), and as one of the key components of Nitroglycerin. Aka: Pearl Ash and Potash. Potassium carbonate is used in the production of soap and glass. Commonly called Epsom salts. Commonly called laughing gas Commonly known as salt. Sodium chloride is the salt most responsible for the salinity of the ocean and of the extracellular fluid of many multicellular organisms. As the major ingredient in edible salt, it is commonly used as a condiment and food preservative. Sodium chloride is the salt most responsible for the salinity of the ocean and of the extracellular fluid of many multicellular organisms. As the major ingredient in edible salt, it is commonly used as a condiment and food preservative. Used as a rising agent in baking. Also known as Sodium Bicarbonate, bread soda, cooking soda, bicarbonate of soda. Baking Soda. Used as a rising agent in baking. Also known as bread soda, cooking soda, bicarbonate of soda. Aka: Sal Volatile. When crushed is used as smelling salts. Ground-level ozone is an air pollutant with harmful effects on the respiratory systems of animals and humans. Ozone in the upper atmosphere filters potentially damaging ultraviolet light from reaching the Earth's surface. Aka: Red Lead. It is used in the manufacture of batteries, lead glass and rust-proof primer paints. Aka: Lead Tetroxide. It is used in the manufacture of batteries, lead glass and rust-proof primer paints. It is prepared industrially from lead(II) acetate and carbon dioxide. It occurs naturally as the mineral cerussite Silica is most commonly found in nature as sand or quartz, as well as in the cell walls of diatoms. It is a principal component of most types of glass and substances such as concrete. Silica is the most abundant mineral in the earth's crust.
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