The industrial uses of sodium hypochlorite

By Adrian Dingle

You might be more familiar with sodium hypochlorite than you realize. Sodium hypochlorite, or NaOCl, also goes by the name sodium chlorate (I), but you probably know it simply as bleach. It is a crystalline, pale-yellow solid that looks a lot like regular salt. NaOCl dissociates in water to form OCl- and HOCl, a strong oxidizing and bactericidal agent. NaOCl is not only a familiar household product used for laundry and cleaning, it is also used in swimming pools, textiles, paper, and food processing.

Polyethylene Glycol: the fully customizable compound

By Jillian Jastrzembski

Polyethylene glycol, or PEG for short, is incredibly useful because it is both highly customizable and nontoxic. PEG consists of repeating units of ethylene glycol, [-(CH2CH2O)n], and can be derivatized to include different functional groups. Based on these parameters, PEG can have multiple different molecular weights. The molecular weight is important, because this will contribute to the key properties of the substance. For example, the length of the polymeric chain determines whether PEG is a liquid or a solid, as well as how it is metabolized by the body. Due to its excellent solubilizing properties, water-holding capacity, and biological inertness, PEG is the polymer of choice for drug delivery systems.

Diethyl Ether to Reduce Emissions from Diesel Engines

By Jillian Jastrzembski

Diesel engines remain a valuable and efficient source of power, even with the introduction of electric vehicles. Emissions from diesel engines have been reduced greatly in the past century, but there is still room for improvement. Diethyl ether can be used as a fuel additive to help reduce emissions, and can be used to recover the function of the engine even with high ratios of biodiesel. Diethyl ether is a valuable resource to reduce the environmental impact of diesel engines and national dependence on foreign petroleum sources.

Optimizing pre-workout formulations: the role of caffeine

By Jillian Jastrzembski

Whether you’re looking to buy a pre-workout supplement, concoct your own, or market to others, it’s essential to understand the science behind the gimmick. Caffeine is the primary ingredient responsible for the physical and cognitive boost. Other ingredients in pre-workout supplements have not been studied extensively. And most importantly: there is no one size fits all – what works for some may not work for others.

What Are HPLC Grade Chemicals?

HPLC stands for high-performance liquid chromatography or high-pressure liquid chromatography. Solvents of this grade are generally suitable for use in chromatography, a scientific procedure used to separate compounds in a mixture. The most common solvents used for HPLC are water, methanol, and acetonitrile.

The Uses Of Food Grade Acetone

By Adrian Dingle

The FDA has deemed acetone suitable to be used as “an indirect food additive in adhesives and in food contact coatings.” This means that it can be used in the glues used in food packaging safely. Acetone can also be used as a cleaner for equipment and for the surfaces that food might come into contact with as it is manufactured and prepared.