| Date | Molecule | Versions | Contributor | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2026 | Lovastatin The first statin in widespread use to lower cholesterol |
HTML JSmol |
Henry Goss-Custard | Eton College, UK |
| March 2026 | Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) The eye-irritant in smog |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| February 2026 | Cyclo-octasulfur, S8 Known as ‘brimstone’ in ancient times |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Zhang and Stephen Belding | Rugby School, UK |
| January 2026 | Azelaic acid The skin-whitening agent that can be used to make Nylon |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| December 2025 | Methyl salicylate The plant-signalling molecule and minty painkiller found in toothpaste and mouthwash |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| November 2025 | L-4-Boronophenylalanine An unnatural amino acid used in boron neutron capture therapy for combating cancer |
HTML JSMol |
Dane Jemc | University of Ljubljana, Slovenia |
| October 2025 | Psittacofulvins They make parrots colourful! |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| September 2025 | Fensic Tris[bis(trimethylsilyl)amido]iron(III) or [Fe(N(SiMe3)2)3] A pioneer of three-coordination |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| August 2025 | 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (5-ALA) The “pink drink” used in fluorescence-guided surgery to identify cancerous cells. |
HTML JSmol |
Ben Warburton and Claudia Orellana | Hereford Sixth Form College Hereford, UK |
| July 2025 | Pyridine The Pungent Powerhouse of Chemistry |
HTML JSmol |
Shanqiao Yang and Stephen Belding | Rugby School, UK |
| June 2025 | Ketene The molecule linked with vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI) |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| May 2025 | Suzetrigine A new non-addictive painkiller |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| April 2025 | AZT (Zidovudine) The first antiretroviral medication approved for treating HIV. |
HTML JSmol |
Henry Goss-Custard | Eton College, UK |
| March 2025 | Borazine The inorganic benzene |
HTML JSmol |
William Griffiths and Stephen Belding | Rugby School, UK |
| February 2025 | Hedione The perfume ingredient that is said to attract women. |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| January 2025 | Silane Silicon's equivalent of methane |
HTML JSmol |
Oulenda Wu and Stephen Belding | Rugby School, UK |
| December 2024 | Progesterone The menstruation and pregnancy hormone |
HTML JSmol |
Sophie Goodall | Bristol University |
| November 2024 | Phosphine The fishy smelling insecticide |
HTML JSmol |
Glenny Wu and Stephen Belding | Rugby School, UK |
| October 2024 | Triaqua(ethylenediamine-tetraacetato)erbate(III)(1-) A metal complex with 9 metal bonds |
HTML | Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| September 2024 | Metaldehyde The component of slug pellets now banned in many countries |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| August 2024 | Curare (D-Tubocurarine) The South American dart poison known as the 'Flying death' |
HTML JSmol |
Sophie Goodall | Bristol University |
| July 2024 | Chloromethane A natural ozone destroyer |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| June 2024 | Sodium chloride Table salt |
HTML | Sophie Goodall | Bristol University |
| May 2024 | Penicillin The first antibiotic 'miracle drug'. |
HTML JSmol |
Henry Goss-Custard | Eton College, UK |
| April 2024 | Octanone Attack of the Killer Mushrooms! |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| March 2024 | Hinokitiol The tree extract that can transport iron around the body |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| February 2024 | Dextromethorphan (DXM) The cough medicine that causes hallucinations in high doses |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| January 2024 | Allyl isothiocyanate The key ingredient of mustard |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| December 2023 | PMD (p-menthane-3,8-diol) A natural mosquito repellent. |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| November 2023 | Varespladib methyl The heart drug that may treat snake venom |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| October 2023 | 'Spice' (AMB-FUBINACA and JWH-018) The ‘Zombie Drug’ |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| September 2023 | Diethyl ether The well-known anaesthetic |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| August 2023 | MPPP (Desmethylprodine) The first ‘designer drug’ disaster |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| July 2023 | White Phosphorus The fiery element discovered by an alchemist |
HTML | Roderick Edmonds | Eton College, UK |
| June 2023 | Anethole The flavour of aniseed and liquorice |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| May 2023 | Benzoic acid Not just an E number! |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| April 2023 | Methadone Useful medicine or addictive opiate? |
HTML JSmol |
Henry Goss-Custard | Eton College, UK |
| March 2023 | Heroin The most notorious addictive opioid drug |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May Masoud Sadeghi |
Bristol University University of Kashan, Iran |
| February 2023 | Trimethylgallium The precursor to gallium nitride and blue LEDs |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| January 2023 | Androstenone The pig pheromone that can stop your dog barking |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| December 2022 | Napalm The oldest type of chemical weapon |
HTML | Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| November 2022 | Creatine Can you finally attain your beach body? |
HTML JSmol |
Prakshan Vasuthan, Arnold Cheng, Louis Kebell | Eton College, UK |
| October 2022 | Para-Phenylenediamine (PPD) The hair dye that causes skin irritation |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| September 2022 | Wine lactone A key odorant, particularly in white wines |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| August 2022 | Aetokthonotoxin The mystery toxin responsible for ‘kamikaze bird syndrome’ |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| July 2022 | Toluene The precursor to TNT |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| June 2022 | Lime (CaO) The origin of limelight |
HTML | Paul May | Bristol University |
| May 2022 | Carminic acid Have you been eating insects your whole life? |
HTML JSMol |
Sydnee Craven | University of Adelaide, South Australia |
| April 2022 | Dianabol The first synthetic anabolic steroid |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| March 2022 | Phenolphthalein The acidity indicator and laxative that resulted from two lucky accidents |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| February 2022 | (E)-2-butene-1-thiol And other components of skunk spray |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| January 2022 | Eugenol The smell of cloves and a potential treatment for 'brain-freeze'. |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| December 2021 | Ethanol Ancient intoxicant, spectacular solvent and future fuel |
HTML JSmol |
Roderick Edmonds | Eton College, UK |
| November 2021 | Zeise's salt A pioneering organometallic compound from 1830 |
HTML | Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| October 2021 | Hyaluronic Acid The hyped skin-care product that does actually reduce wrinkles |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| September 2021 | Styrene The building block for all those cups! |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| August 2021 | Biotin (a.k.a. Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H) The hair and skin vitamin |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| July 2021 | Citral A key lemon odorant |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| June 2021 | Astaxanthin The reason flamingoes are pink! |
HTML JSmol |
Catherine Cook | Sussex University, UK |
| May 2021 | Semaglutide The diabetes drug that might also be a cure for obesity |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| April 2021 | Methylmercury Cysteinate How mercury reaches the human brain |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| March 2021 | Titanium dioxide The pigment also known as 'brilliant white' |
HTML | Roderick Edmonds | Eton College, UK |
| February 2021 | Curcumin The colour and flavour of turmeric with controversial health claims |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| January 2021 | Hydrogen Fluoride The notorious acid. |
HTML JSmol |
Efa Wilson and Stephen Belding | Rugby School, UK |
| December 2020 | PETase The plastic-eating fungal enzyme |
HTML | Laurie Guard | Rugby School, UK |
| November 2020 | N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) A possible carcinogen in some medicines |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| October 2020 | Diborane The story of an undergraduate vs a Nobel laureate |
HTML JSmol |
Ollie Whitley and Stephen Belding | Rugby School, UK |
| September 2020 | Paracetamol Also known as Acetaminophen or by the brand names Tylenol or Panadol |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| August 2020 | Chlorhexidine The broad-spectrum antiseptic used in mouthwashes |
HTML JSmol |
Yu Xi Ke and Claudia Orellana | Hereford Sixth Form College Hereford, UK |
| July 2020 | Dexamethasone The new treatment for Covid-19 |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| June 2020 | Benzaldehyde The smell of almonds and Maraschino cherries |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| May 2020 | Quadricyclane Liquid Sunshine! |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| April 2020 | Thyroxine The metabolic rate hormone that prevents 'a pain in the neck'! |
HTML JSmol |
Mike Thompson and Becky Ting | Rugby School, UK |
| March 2020 | Theobromine The caffeine-like alkaloid in chocolate that is good for you |
HTML JSmol |
Rob Lyon, George Mitchell and Claudia Orellana | Hereford Sixth Form College Hereford, UK |
| February 2020 | Desomorphine (a.k.a. Krokodil, the ‘flesh-eating’ drug) |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| January 2020 | Lycopene The red colour of tomatoes |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| December 2019 | Modafinil A Nootropic |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| November 2019 | Luciferin The glowing group of molecules responsible for bioluminescence |
HTML JSmol |
Leila Hewitt, Elise Lacey, Columbus Layton and Emilia White | Hereford Sixth Form College Hereford, UK |
| October 2019 | Nitrogen trifluoride The etching gas that's recently been found to be a major Greenhouse gas problem |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| September 2019 | Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) The so-called spirit molecule |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| August 2019 | Testosterone The male hormone |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| July 2019 | Estradiol The main female hormone |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| June 2019 | Trichlorofluoromethane (CFCl3 or CFC-11) The ozone-eliminating gas that we thought had gone for good... |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| May 2019 | Rose Bengal The pink eye stain that might be a cancer treatment |
HTML JSmol |
Claudia Orellana | Hereford Sixth Form College |
| April 2019 | Cannabidiol (CBD) (and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)) Ingredients in cannabis and marijuana |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| March 2019 | Cytisine The poisonous plant that might help people stop smoking |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| February 2019 | Octane The molecule in petroleum used for car engines |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| January 2019 | Vitamin B3 (Niacin, Nicotinic acid) The vitamin that prevents pellagra |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| December 2018 | Carfentanil The tranquiliser for wild game that is the most powerful commercially available opioid |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| November 2018 | Narcan (Naloxone) The 'miracle' antidote for opiate overdoses. |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| October 2018 | Scopolamine (Hyoscine) Dr Crippen’s Drug, which is also used to rob people |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| September 2018 | Cathinone Known on the street as 'Monkey Dust' |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| August 2018 | Novichok The notorious nerve agent |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| July 2018 | Thallium sulphate Rat poison used for Murder |
HTML | Mike Thompson, Matty Coe and Thomas Sloan | Rugby School, Rugby, UK |
| June 2018 | Ethylene glycol (Ethane-1,2-diol) and antifreeze poisoning |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| May 2018 | Tartrazine The controversial yellow food-colouring and dye |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| April 2018 | Ninhydrin It turns amino acids deep purple |
HTML JSmol |
Li Liang | National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan |
| March 2018 | Zingiberene (and Epizingiberene) It's a ginger spice! |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| February 2018 | Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) More than just a food colouring |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| January 2018 | Glycerol (Glycerine) How the SAS start fires in the Jungle |
HTML JSmol |
Mike Thompson and Charlie Thompson | Rugby School, Rugby, UK |
| December 2017 | Incensole and other molecules in frankincense, including incensole acetate |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| November 2017 | Amygdalin “The slickest, most sophisticated, and certainly the most remunerative cancer quack promotion in medical history” |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| October 2017 | Lariam The controversial antimalarial drug |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| September 2017 | Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Deficiency of this causes beriberi |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| August 2017 | Methyl hexaneamine The illegal stimulant that cost Usain Bolt one of his 9 gold medals. |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| July 2017 | Vitamin C The cure for scurvy |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| June 2017 | Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) Records, tubing, flooring and unusual clothing... |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| May 2017 | Methanethiol and other stinky components of durian |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| April 2017 | Nitrogen trichloride, NCl3 The explosive liquid that injured both Sir Humphrey Davy and Michael Faraday |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| March 2017 | Nepetalactone The molecule in catnip that makes cats stoned. |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| February 2017 | Benzoyl peroxide (and other chemicals used for the treatment of acne) |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| January 2017 | Vitamin A The molecule of vision. |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| December 2016 | 2,4-Dinitrophenylhydrazine The standard test for carbonyls which can be explosive! |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| November 2016 | Neohesperidin The bitter taste in bitter-oranges that can be converted into a sweetener. |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| October 2016 | Ferric Chloride Not just for etching copper. |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| September 2016 | Vitamin E The 'sex drug'. |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| August 2016 | Acrylamide The (possibly) poisonous molecule that results from cooking starchy foods at high temperature. |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| July 2016 | Resveratrol The Fountain of Youth and the explanation for the French Paradox? |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| June 2016 | Cobalt chloride A drug used to dope racehorses that's also a water indicator. |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| May 2016 | Vitamin K The vitamin required for blood klotting |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| April 2016 | Acetic acid The main constituent of vinegar. |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| March 2016 | Melanin The pigment that causes different skin colours |
HTML | Paul May | Bristol University |
| February 2016 | Cocaine The notorious recreational drug. |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| January 2016 | Congo Red A red dye, but not from the Congo |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| December 2015 | Codeine and Oxycodone Painkillers that can become addictive. |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| November 2015 | Vitamin D ...or how Shaun the Sheep helps prevent rickets! |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| October 2015 | Ivermectin The treatment for river blindness. |
HTML | Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| September 2015 | Stevioside The ‘natural’ sweetener that’s an alternative to sugar. |
HTML JSmol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| August 2015 | Beta-Damascenone A rose by any other name... |
HTML JSmol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| July 2015 | Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) A molecule of relaxation... |
HTML JSMol |
Gabriella Zanetti | Hull Collegiate School Hull, UK |
| June 2015 | 1,3-Butadiene Golf balls, tyres and Lego. |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| May 2015 | Dinitrophenol (DNP) The weight-loss pill that's potentially fatal. |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| April 2015 | Colchicine The poison that's also a treatment for gout. |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| March 2015 | Fentanyl The knock-out gas controversially used to end the Moscow theatre siege |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| February 2015 | Thiomersal The molecule that prevents vaccines from going stale. |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| January 2015 | Tetranitratoxycarbon The explosive molecule discovered by a 10-year-old girl. |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| December 2014 | Trinitrotoluene (TNT) The explosive that won WWI & WWII |
HTML JSMol |
Mike Thompson and George Innes | Rugby School, UK |
| November 2014 | Triclosan The antibacterial molecule found in soaps, detergents, toys and surgical cleaning treatments that maybe becoming an enviromental problem |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| October 2014 | Aconitine A poisoner’s potion of choice. |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| September 2014 | Tramadol The painkiller used by racing cyclists to give them an edge |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| August 2014 | Myristicin The psychoactive molecule in nutmegs, and the story of the nut that changed the world. |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| July 2014 | Salvinorin A The psychoactive drug that's the key ingredient in Mexican Magic Mint |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| June 2014 | Chloroauric acid What you get when you dissolve gold in acid. |
HTML | QH, Niloy Kumar Das | Shahjalal Science & Technology University Bangladesh |
| May 2014 | Sucrose Table sugar |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| April 2014 | Streptomycin One of the main drugs to treat Tuberculosis. |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| March 2014 | Cholesterol Bile, membranes, hormones, vitamins and untimely death (and more) |
HTML | Ben Benjamin | Torbay Hospital Devon, UK |
| February 2014 | Fluorine The most reactive non-metal |
HTML JSMol |
Mike Thompson and Hugh Campbell | Rugby School, UK |
| January 2014 | Hydrazine Rocket fuel, spandex suits, power stations and car air-bags! |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| December 2013 | Dimethyldisulfide A molecule with a-rum smell... |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| November 2013 | Silica The macromolecule that makes up sand, glass and quartz, and which is a major component of rocks and mountains. |
HTML | Guillermo Godino Sedano | King´s College Madrid, Spain |
| October 2013 | Linalool The main component of lavender oil, which is also found in lots of other places. |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| September 2013 | 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluroethane The refrigerant gas that replaced CFCs |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| August 2013 | Bisphenol A The controversial plastic additive |
HTML | Mia Monte | School of Ramiro de Maeztu Madrid, Spain |
| July 2013 | Wilkinson's catalyst The famous inorganic catalyst |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| June 2013 | Ammonia A very important molecule for biological organisms to make proteins or nucleic acids |
HTML | QH and Niloy Kumar Das | Shahjalal Science & Technology University Bangladesh |
| May 2013 | Artemisinin The new antimalarial drug from China |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| April 2013 | Phenylbutazone The controversial horse painkiller |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| March 2013 | Lithium Aluminium Hydride The versatile reducing agent |
HTML | Mike Thompson and Jess Abel | Rugby School, UK |
| February 2013 | Vaska's Compound An inorganic molecule that reversibly binds oxygen |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| January 2013 | Fluoroform It's not the same as chloroform! |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| December 2012 | Nitrogen Dioxide One of the gases in smog |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| November 2012 | Galanthamine The anti-Alzheimers' drug derived from snowdrops |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| October 2012 | Medroxyprogesterone acetate The drug used for chemical castration |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| September 2012 | Filbertone The smell of hazelnuts. |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| August 2012 | Captopril The treatment for high blood pressure derived from snake venom |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| July 2012 | Raspberry Ketone (or Rheosmin or Frambinone) The smell of raspberries. |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| June 2012 | Tropane The bicyclic amine that is the precursor to $4 billion pharmaceutical industries |
QH | Shahjalal University of Science & Technology Bangladesh | |
| May 2012 | Carbon Dioxide The gas we exhale that's both a Greenhouse gas and a fire extinguisher |
HTML JSMol |
Mike Thompson and Jess Abel | Rugby School, UK |
| April 2012 | Lauric Acid The main constituent of coconut oil |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| March 2012 | Phenylethylamine and the amine responsible for the 'Cheese effect' |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| February 2012 | Botulinum Toxin The anti-wrinkle treatment that's the most powerful neurotoxin known. |
HTML JSMol |
Guillermo Godino Sedano | King´s College Madrid, Spain |
| January 2012 | DMSO (Dimethyl sulfoxide) The smelly solvent that may have a variety of medical uses |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| December 2011 | 2,4,6-Tribromophenol The test for phenol |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | University of Birmingham |
| November 2011 | Hydrogen Cyanide From Prussian Blue to Schrödinger's Cat |
HTML | Alberto Morón Hernández | King's College Madrid, Spain |
| October 2011 | Sodium Hypochlorite The chemical name for household bleach |
HTML | Paul May | Bristol University |
| September 2011 | Doxycycline The antibiotic that's an alternative to penicillin |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| August 2011 | Benzene The first aromatic compound |
HTML VRML JMol |
Mike Thompson and Charlie Style | Rugby School, UK |
| July 2011 | Sulfanilamide The antibiotic drug that saved the life of Winston Churchill |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| June 2011 | Endosulfan The controversial insecticide |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| May 2011 | Octanal The smell of oranges that birds use as 'perfume' |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| April 2011 | Eribulin (Halaven) The anti-cancer drug made from a sea-sponge |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| March 2011 | Muscone The deer musk used in perfumes |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| February 2011 | Warfarin The blood anti-coagulant used as a rat poison |
HTML | John Maher | Bristol University |
| January 2011 | DEET The spray-on insect repellant |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| December 2010 | Eucalyptol (1,8-Cineole) A koala's favourite food |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| November 2010 | Kevlar The super-tough fibre used to make bullet-proof vests |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| October 2010 | Heptan-2-one The stilton cheese molecule |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| September 2010 | Kispeptin The molecule of puberty and sexual fertility |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| August 2010 | THG (tetrahydrogestrinone) The illegal performance-enhancing drug used by some athletes and sportspeople |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| July 2010 | Insulin The hormone that converts sugar in the blood into a source of energy for our body's metabolic processes |
HTML | Maria Kyriakou | Bristol University |
| June 2010 | Nylon The wonder material that made stockings, parachutes and toothbrushes |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| May 2010 | Diacetyl The buttery flavour of popcorn, butterscotch, and margarine. |
HTML | Trevor Gates | Western Oregon University USA |
| April 2010 | Glycine The amino-acid that may have kick-started life on Earth |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| March 2010 | Sodium Lauryl Sulfate The main cleaning agent in soap and detergent. |
HTML JSMol |
Zara Kauffer and Paul May | Bristol University |
| February 2010 | Heavy Water It's water - just heavier! |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| January 2010 | Green Fluorescent Protein A molecular tag that can be inserted into genes to make animals and plants glow green. |
HTML JSMol |
Timothy King and Paul May | Bristol University |
| December 2009 | 1-Octen-3-ol The smell of mushrooms. |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| November 2009 | Citalopram A new treatment for depression |
HTML JSMol |
Benjamin Rawe and Paul May | Bristol University |
| October 2009 | Strychnine The performance enhancing deadly poison |
HTML JSMol |
Paul M. Burnham | Greenhead College Huddersfield, UK |
| September 2009 | Anandamide The molecule of extreme pleasure. |
HTML JSMol |
Sujit Kumar Kar | S.K. Foundation Orissa, India |
| August 2009 | Geosmin The smell of the countryside. |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| July 2009 | Cyanoacrylate Superglue! |
HTML Chime VRML JMol |
Sarwat Baig | University of Bristol |
| June 2009 | Teflon (PTFE) The non-stick coating on frying pans. |
HTML Chime VRML JMol |
Layth Hendow | Hull Collegiate School Yorkshire, UK |
| May 2009 | Bombykol The sex pheromone of the silk moth. |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| April 2009 | Retinal The molecule of vision |
HTML JSMol |
Joshua Howgego and Paul May | University of Bristol |
| March 2009 | Hydrogen Sulphide The smell of rotten eggs. |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| February 2009 | Indigotin The dye used to colour blue jeans |
HTML JSMol |
Richard Marsh and Paul May | University of Bristol |
| January 2009 | Oxytocin The molecule involved in pregnancy, breastfeeding and sexual fidelity! |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| December 2008 | Taurine The stimulant in the 'energy drink' Red Bull - but does it give you wings? | HTML JSMol |
Richard Marsh and Paul May | University of Bristol |
| November 2008 | 2-Methylundecanal The smell of Chanel No.5 perfume. |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| Oct 2008 | Dopamine The neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and well-being |
HTML Chime VRML JMol |
Sian Gregory and Paul M. Burnham | Hillsborough College Sheffield, UK |
| Sept 2008 | Uric acid The molecule that causes gout and kidney stones, and is found in bird droppings | HTML Chime VRML JMol |
Mike Thompson | Winchester College UK |
| August 2008 | Folic Acid A necessary ingredient for building DNA, cells and babies. |
HTML JSMol |
Dominic Taylor and Paul May | University of Bristol |
| July 2008 | Isoprene The building block for terpenes and rubber, and the molecule that makes the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, blue. |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| June 2008 | Histamine The molecule associated with immune response, allergies and hayfever. |
HTML Chime VRML JMol | Michael Charles Hatch and Paul May | University of Bristol |
| May 2008 | Sulfuric acid The acid that's the 'King of Chemicals' |
HTML Chime VRML JMol |
Mike Thompson | Winchester College UK |
| April 2008 | Sulphur Hexafluoride The unreactive gas that's found in electrical insulation, trainers and double-glazing. |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| March 2008 | Limonene The industrial degreasing agent found in orange peel. |
HTML Chime VRML JMol |
Paul M. Burnham | Hillsborough College Sheffield, UK |
| February 2008 | Vanillin The flavour of vanilla icecream. |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| January 2008 | Herceptin The controversial drug used to treat breast cancer. |
HTML | Amy Dyke | University of Bristol |
| December 2007 | Methane The greenhouse gas that cooks our food. |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| November 2007 | Nitric Acid The starting point for explosives and fertilisers. |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | University of Bristol |
| October 2007 | Nitroglycerine The explosive component in dynamite. |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| September 2007 | Propanethial S-oxide The molecule that makes you cry when peeling onions. |
HTML Chime VRML JMol |
Paul M. Burnham | Hillsborough College Sheffield, UK |
| August 2007 | Menthol The cooling smell of mint. |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| July 2007 | Monosodium Glutamate The molecule that enhances taste in food. |
HTML Chime VRML JMol |
Pio Monti | Kings College School Madrid, Spain |
| June 2007 | Lutein and Zeaxanthin The chemistry and biology of the colourful carotenoids we eat as food, or which make the pigments in songbirds' feathers |
HTML Chime JMol |
James D. Johnson | Alumnus Dept of Chemistry Florida State University |
| May 2007 | Acetyl Coenzyme-A The molecule that makes fats, or burns them |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | University of Bristol |
| April 2007 | Glucose The sugary source of energy for plants and animals |
HTML Chime VRML JMol |
Mike Thompson | Winchester College UK |
| March 2007 | Methamphetamine The pick-me-up also known as 'speed'. |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| February 2007 | Sodium Thiopental (Sodium Pentothal) The 'Truth Serum' used in many spy movies. |
HTML Chime VRML JMol |
Adriano Taylor | King´s College Madrid, Spain |
| January 2007 | Prostanoic Acid and Prostagladins Important natural molecules that resemble hormones and have a range of biological effects. |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | University of Bristol |
| December 2006 | Ethene The anaesthetic gas that's used to make polythene |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| November 2006 | Pentacene The p-type organic semiconductor which can be used to make organic electronics. |
HTML | Fabio Pichierri | Tohoku University Sendai, Japan |
| October 2006 | Chloroform The anaesthetic and solvent |
HTML Chime VRML JMol |
Stephen Belding | University of Oxford |
| September 2006 | Hydrogen Peroxide Rocket fuel and bleached blondes... |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| August 2006 | Cinnamaldehyde The smell and taste of the spice cinnamon. |
HTML Chime VRML JMol |
Paul M. Burnham | Hillsborough College Sheffield, UK |
| July 2006 | Tamiflu The anti-flu drug that might protect us froma bird-flu epidemic |
HTML JMol |
Emily Campbell | University of Bristol |
| June 2006 | The Manganese-calcium oxide cluster of Photosystem II (The Oxygen Evolving Complex) The complex that cyanobacteria use to split water, release oxygen, and which helped start life on Earth. |
HTML Chime |
James D. Johnson | Florida State University Tallahassee USA |
| May 2006 | Linoleic Acid The vegetable oil that's used to make margarine |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | University of Bristol |
| April 2006 | Skatole The smell of human excrement |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| March 2006 | Cucurbituril A pumpkin-shaped molecule |
HTML Chime VRML JMol |
Fabio Pichierri | Tohoku University Sendai, Japan |
| Feb 2006 | Hemoglobin The oxygen-carrying molecule found in blood |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | University of Bristol |
| January 2006 | Batrachotoxin The poison found on the skin of Amazonian frogs |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| December 2005 | Formic Acid (Methanoic Acid) The poison from ants and stinging nettles |
HTML Chime VRML JMol |
Mathieu Laffitte | Freelance writer France |
| November 2005 | Carbon Monoxide The poisonous gas from car exhausts |
HTML Chime VRML JMol |
Mike Thompson | Winchester College UK |
| October 2005 | Dimethylsulphide The smell of truffles |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| September 2005 | Dioxin The pollutant that caused the Seveso disaster |
HTML | Fabio Pichierri | Tohoku University Sendai, Japan |
| August 2005 | Linezolid A new type of oxazolidinone antibiotic |
HTML | Rafal Klajn | Northwestern University USA |
| July 2005 | Quinine The anti-malarial drug that's found in gin and tonic |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| June 2005 | Dichlorodifluoromethane (Freon) Freon gas, the CFC refrigerant that damages the ozone layer. |
HTML | Aaron Vorderstrasse | Western Oregon University Monmouth Oregon, USA |
| May 2005 | British Anti-Lewisite The chelating molecule that's used to treat heavy metal poisoning. |
HTML | Domingo Tabangcura, Jr. and G. Patrick Daubert, MD |
Regional Poison Control Center Wayne State University Children's Hospital of Michigan Detroit USA |
| April 2005 | Serotonin A molecule of happiness. |
HTML |
Claire Rosling | University of Bristol |
| March 2005 | Hexenal The key aroma substance emitted when grass is cut. |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| Feb 2005 | Galactosylceramide The chemical found in the brain which is a constituent of nerve cells and intestinal membranes - and which may be implicated in promoting diseases such as HIV. |
HTML | Jacques Fantini, Nicolas Garmy, Nadira Taieb and Nouara Yahi |
Université Paul Cézanne Marseille, France |
| Jan 2005 | Arsine The poisonous gas that was an important molecule in the history of forensic science. |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| Dec 2004 | Maleimide-Polyethylene Glycol (MPEG4) Modified human hemoglobin that can be used as a blood substitute. |
HTML | Nancy Christy, Shane Haggard, Kimberly Lam, Rachele Melious and Paula Theobald |
San Diego Mesa College San Diego, CA, USA |
| Nov 2004 | Morphine The sedative and painkiller. |
HTML | Enrico Uva | LaurenHill Academy Montreal, Canada |
| Oct 2004 | Butane The fuel in portable cookers, and much more... |
HTML | Feng Wang | Swinburne University of Technology Melbourne, Australia |
| Sept 2004 | Ubiquitin A ubiquitous protein |
HTML | Lukasz and Mariusz Jaremko | Wroclaw University Poland |
| Aug 2004 | Trimethylamine The cause of 'fish breath' in some people. |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| July 2004 | Atenolol A beta-blocker drug used for treating high blood pressure and angina. |
HTML | Ravi Bhandari | Imperial College London |
| June 2004 | Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol) The notorious 'date rape' drug. |
HTML Chime VRML JMol |
Gemma Gaitskell Phillips and Paula Fitzgerald | Kings College Madrid, Spain |
| May 2004 | Osmium Tetroxide The useful chemical reagent that was recently called the "billionaire's chemical weapon" |
HTML Chime VRML JMol |
Mike Thompson | Winchester College UK |
| Apr 2004 | Cantharidin The 'Spanish Fly' aphrodisiac that's also a beetle defense chemical. |
HTML Chime |
Gérard Dupuis & Nicole Berland | Lycée Faidherbe Lille, France. |
| Mar 2004 | EDTA A molecule with a 'complex story', that's found in mayonnaise, beans and Big Macs. |
HTML Chime |
Scott A. Sinex | Prince George's Community College Largo, MD, USA |
| Feb 2004 | Combretastatin A-4 A Zulu poison that can be used to treat cancer |
HTML Chime VRML JMol |
Mike Thompson | Winchester College UK |
| Jan 2004 | Rotenone An important piscicide and insecticide |
HTML Chime |
Emma Castrique | Bristol University |
| Dec 2003 | Sulphur Dioxide A major component of acid rain |
HTML Chime VRML JMol |
Mike Thompson | Winchester College UK |
| Nov 2003 | S-Adenosyl Methionine A biological methylating agent |
HTML | Rich Blatchly | Keene State College Keene NH, USA |
| Oct 2003 | Dimethyl Mercury The toxic compound that caused the Minamata disaster |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| Sept 2003 | Carnitine An acyl-carrying nursing biomolecule. |
HTML | Hans R. Scholte | Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam Holland |
| Aug 2003 | Fluoxetine (Prozac) The active ingredient behind the World's most widely used antidepressant drug. |
Chime | Gemma Veitch | Imperial College London |
| July 2003 | Caeruloplasmin An enigmatic copper metalloprotein. |
HTML | John Maher | University of Bristol |
| June 2003 | Pnictogen A group of materials that might be used to convert electricity into heat and vice versa. |
HTML | David Bradley | Freelance Science Writer |
| May 2003 | N3 Amide Dyes A new way to make 'metallo-organic' solar cells |
HTML | Jean-Jacques Lagref | Novartis Pharma AG Basel Switzerland. |
| Apr 2003 | Ketamine The notorious recreational drug |
HTML Chime |
Tim Aldridge | University of Bristol |
| Mar 2003 | Ethyl Acetate The source of many natural odours |
HTML | Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| Feb 2003 | Spidroin Spider silk and spider poisons |
HTML Chime |
Vivienne Li | Bristol University |
| Jan 2003 | Arsenic Pentachloride, AsCl5 A molecule with unusual bonding |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| Dec 2002 | Hemlock (Coniine) The poison that killed Socrates |
HTML Chime |
John Huggins | Thrybergh Comprehensive School Rotherham, UK |
| Nov 2002 | Dettol The antiseptic cleaning fluid |
HTML Chime VRML JMol |
Mike Thompson | Winchester College UK |
| Oct 2002 | Epothilone A new anti-cancer drug |
HTML | Audrey Barthelemy and Carole Christophe | Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon France |
| Sept 2002 | Ibogaine The anti-addiction drug |
HTML Chime VRML JMol |
David Bradley | Freelance Science Writer |
| Aug 2002 | Uranium Hexafluoride, UF6 The source of uranium for nuclear power |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| July 2002 | Alliin The chemistry of garlic |
HTML | Eric Coleman | University of Bristol |
| June 2002 | Tryptophan The controversial food supplement |
HTML | Kimberly Dick and Michel Hachey | Advanced Chemistry Develpment Toronto, Canada |
| May 2002 | Etorphine An elephant tranquiliser |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| Apr 2002 | Beta-Carotene The colour of carrots |
HTML Chime |
Martha Evens | University of Bristol |
| Mar 2002 | Mifepristone (RU-486) The 'morning after' pill |
HTML | Fyaz M.D. Ismail | Dept of Pharmacy and Chemistry Liverpool John Moores University |
| Feb 2002 | Atropine The muscle relaxant used in surgery |
HTML Chime |
Sara Kennedy | Armthorpe School Doncaster, UK |
| Jan 2002 | Relenza The anti-flu drug |
HTML | Nikola Sanderson | Imperial College London |
| Dec 2001 | Nitrogen Triiodide The well-known explosive crystals |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| Nov 2001 | Ibuprofen A painkiller |
HTML Chime |
John Bower | University of Bristol |
| Oct 2001 | Tetracycline The anti-biotic |
HTML Chime |
Rafal Klajn | Institute of Organic Chemistry PAN, Warsaw Poland |
| Sept 2001 | Methyl Jasmonate The smell of jasmine flowers |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland, UK |
| Aug 2001 | Nicotine The addictive drug in tobacco |
HTML | Muriel Fabre, Guillaume Bouchon, Sébastien Abry and Daniel Simon |
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon France |
| July 2001 | VX gas The notorious nerve agent |
HTML | Cavus Batki | University of Bristol |
| June 2001 | ClF3 Rocket fuel |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland |
| May 2001 | Brassinolide The plant growth hormone |
HTML Chime VRML JMol |
Martin A. Iglesias-Arteaga | University of Havana Cuba |
| Apr 2001 | Capsaicin The heat of chillis |
HTML Chime VRML |
Matthew Bellringer | University of Bristol |
| Mar 2001 | Frontalin A beetle signal pheremone |
HTML Chime |
Gérard Dupuis and Nicole Berland |
Lycée Faidherbe Lille, France. |
| Feb 2001 | Aspartame A synthetic sweetener |
HTML Chime VRML JMol |
D. Eric Walters | Finch University of Health Sciences The Chicago Medical School Chicago, USA |
| Jan 2001 | Tetraethyl Lead The anti-knock agent in petroleum |
HTML JSMol |
Simon Cotton | Uppingham School Rutland |
| Dec 2000 | 2,4,5-T (Agent Orange) The notorious Vietnam War defoliant |
HTML Chime VRML |
John Hardy | University of Bristol |
| Nov 2000 | Bis(2,4-dinitrophenyl) oxalate (DNPO) Light-emitting chemicals |
HTML | Daniel Ormsby | University of Leeds |
| Oct 2000 | Nandrolone The controversial anabolic steroid |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | University of Bristol |
| Sept 2000 | ABT-594 and Epibatidine A painkiller |
HTML | John Cameron and Kathleen Brawley |
University of Aberdeen |
| Aug 2000 | Cisplatin The anti-cancer drug |
HTML Chime |
Mitch Miller | Symyx Technologies USA |
| July 2000 | Thalidomide The notorious morning sickness drug |
HTML | Alex Lingham | Bristol University |
| June 2000 | Histrionicotoxin The frog poison used in blowpipe darts |
HTML Chime VRML JMol |
Neil Edwards and Mark Reed | Sussex University |
| May 2000 | Chlorophyll The green colour of plants |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| Apr 2000 | Melatonin The sleep-wake-cycle regulating chemical |
Chime | Salinthip Thipayang | Imperial College London |
| Mar 2000 | cis-g-Irone The violet-like scent of Iris oils used in perfumes |
HTML | Jean-Marie Galano | Université D'Aix-Marseille III France |
| Feb 2000 | Frankincense (Boswellic Acid) The Biblical fragrant gum resin |
HTML Chime VRML |
Gordon Docherty | Bristol University |
| Jan 2000 | DNA The genetic blueprint molecule |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| Dec 1999 | Tamoxifen The anti-cancer drug |
HTML Chime |
Huw Tanner | Imperial College London |
| Nov 1999 | Tetrodotoxin The poison in puffer fish |
HTML Chime VRML JMol |
Jim Johnson | 3D Biochem USA |
| Oct 1999 | Psilocybin and Mescaline The hallucinogen in 'magic mushrooms' |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | Bristol University |
| Sept 1999 | Anatoxin A toxin extracted from algae |
HTML Chime VRML JMol |
Neil Edwards | Sussex University |
| Aug 1999 | Salbutamol The anti-asthma treatment |
Chime | Jerome Hettich | Imperial College London |
| July 1999 | Zyban (Bupropion) The treatment for nicotine addiction |
HTML | Bernard Blessington and Jamie Harris |
University of Bradford |
| June 1999 | Nitrous oxide Laughing gas |
HTML JSMol |
Ewan Cameron and Paul May |
University of Bristol |
| May 1999 | Adrenaline The 'fight or flight' hormone |
HTML | Frank Oellien | Computer-Chemie-Centrum University of Erlangen-Nürnberg Germany |
| Apr 1999 | Staurosporine An anti-cancer drug |
HTML Chime |
Clive Walker | Novartis Horsham Research Centre |
| Feb 1999 | Ptaquiloside The poison in bracken |
HTML Chime VRML JMol |
David Bradley | Freelance Science Writer/Editor |
| Jan 1999 | Cubane A cubic molecule |
HTML Chime |
Beinn Muir | Imperial College |
| Dec 1998 | LSD The notorious hallucigenic drug |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | University of Bristol |
| Nov 1998 | Polythiophene A conducting organic polymer |
JSMol | Peter Tebbutt | Cherwell |
| Oct 1998 | Ferritin An iron-storage protein |
HTML | James Bashkin, Regina Frey and Maureen Donlin |
Washington University St Louis, Mo, USA |
| Sept 1998 | Saxitoxin A powerful shellfish poison |
HTML JMol |
Neil Edwards | University of Sussex |
| Aug 1998 | Finasteride A treatment for baldness? |
HTML | Cynthia Schieck | Virginia Commonwealth University USA |
| July 1998 | Formaldehyde The biology specimen preservative |
HTML | Walter Volland | Bellevue Community College Washington, USA |
| June 1998 | Mustard Gas The notorious WW1 chemical warfare agent |
HTML JSMol |
Rebecca Holland | Bristol University |
| May 1998 | Proline A useful synthetic reagent |
HTML | Andrew Potter | Liverpool University |
| April 1998 | MCM-41 A zeolite catalyst |
HTML Chime |
Vladimir Gusev | Freelance |
| Mar 1998 | Ozone The Earth's protective layer |
HTML | Eloise Stattersfield | Bristol University |
| Feb 1998 | Sulfanilamide A useful antibiotic |
HTML Chime JMol |
Peter Tebbutt | Cherwell |
| Jan 1998 | Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) The body's energy storage molecule |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | University of Bristol |
| Dec 1997 | 4-Bromo-4'-Methoxy- acetophenone Azine An organic magnet |
HTML | Rainer Glaser | University of Missouri-Columbia |
| Nov 1997 | Scorpionine A scorpion-shaped molecule |
HTML Chime |
Henry Rzepa | Imperial College London |
| Oct 1997 | N2S2 A molecule with unusual bonding |
HTML Chime |
Joe Gerratt | University of Bristol |
| Sept 1997 | Hexol The molecule that helped the understanding of coordination chemistry |
JSmol | Robert Lancashire | University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica |
| Aug 1997 | [Ag{(NC)Mn(CO)2- P(OPh3)(dppm)}2]+ A molecule with a near-linear chain of 7 atoms |
HTML JSmol |
John Crossley | University of Bristol |
| July 1997 | Vancomycin The ultimate antibiotic |
HTML Chime |
Alan Bunch and Anthony Baines |
University of Kent |
| June 1997 | Triphenylmethyl A propellor-shaped molecule |
HTML | Andrew Hudson & Richard Jackson |
Sussex University |
| May 1997 | Vitamin B12 The vitamin that prevents anaemia |
Chime | John Maher | Bristol University |
| April 1997 | Cyclooctene A chiral molecule |
HTML Chime |
David Bradley | Freelance Science Writer/Editor |
| Mar 1997 | t-AlF3 The interesting crystal structure |
HTML Chime VRML |
Armel Le Bail | Laboratoire des Fluorures University of Lemans, France |
| Feb 1997 | Taxol The anti-cancer drug |
HTML JSMol |
Neil Edwards | University of Bristol |
| Jan 1997 | C60 Buckyballs The famous football-shaped molecule |
HTML Chime |
Wyn Locke | Imperial College London |
| Dec 1996 | Decahelicene A spiral-shaped molecule |
HTML |
Hens Borkent | CMBI Radboud University Nijmegen, NL |
| Nov 1996 | Sialyl Lewis X A carbohydrate that recognises blood groups |
HTML | Steven Isles & Alan Wilson | University of Birmingham |
| Oct 1996 | Water Not just for drinking... |
HTML | Shawn Huston Kenner | MDL Information Systems, Inc. |
| Sept 1996 | Digitalis A treatment for heart disease |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | University of Bristol |
| Aug 1996 | Helvetane and Israelane Hypothetical molecules with intriguing shapes |
HTML | Mitchell Miller | Lion Biosciences USA |
| July 1996 | Diamond The world's favourite gem |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | University of Bristol |
| June 1996 | Urea The first synthetic organic product |
HTML | Stuart Fairall | De Montfort University |
| May 1996 | Ferrocene The well known organo-metallic sandwich |
HTML | Karl Harrison | University of Oxford |
| Apr 1996 | Delta-THC The active ingredient in cannabis |
HTML | Lee Banting | Portsmouth University |
| Mar 1996 | Phthalocyanine A dye, catalyst and anti-cancer agent |
HTML | Alan Wilson | University of Birmingham |
| Feb 1996 | Aspirin The first painkiller |
HTML JSMol |
Paul May | University of Bristol |
| Jan 1996 | Mauveine dye The first synthetic dye |
HTML Chime |
Henry Rzepa | Imperial College London |
Asphaltene; CS gas; 2-Acetylpyrroline; Kratom; Carvone; 2-Nonenal; Theacrine; Tirzepatide; Amoxicillin; Palytoxin; Caffeine; Chloroquine; Anthocyanin; Tyrian purple; 5-Nitrotetrazole; Propan-2-ol; Liddicoatite; Methylene Blue; Muscimol; Denatonium Benzoate; Muscimol; Methyl isocyanate; Bilirubin; ISM001-055; ...