What is Acrolein? Acrolein (systematic name: propenal) is the simplest unsaturated aldehyde. It is produced widely but is most often immediately reacted with other products due to its instability and toxicity. It is a colourless or yellow liquid with a disagreeable odour. It dissolves in water very easily and quickly changes to a vapour when […]

What is 1,3-Butadiene? 1,3-Butadiene (C₄H₆) is a colourless, flammable, non-corrosive gas with a mild gasoline-like odour. It is slightly soluble in water, more soluble in methanol and ethanol, and highly soluble in organic solvents like cyclohexane. Produced through petroleum processing. What is 1,3-Butadiene used for? Mainly used in: Sources of Emission & Route of Exposure […]

What is Chlorine? Chlorine is a yellow-green diatomic gas at room temperature with a strong, pungent odour. Highly reactive, it acts as a powerful oxidizer and is typically found in combined forms due to its instability in nature. It condenses to a liquid at -34°C and is rarely found in its free form except when […]

What is Acetaldehyde? Acetaldehyde (systematic name ethanal) is an organic chemical compound with the formula CH₃CHO. It is a colourless, highly reactive liquid with a fruity odour at low concentrations and a pungent, irritating smell at higher levels. Acetaldehyde is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that evaporates easily and is flammable. It mixes readily with […]

What is 1,3-Dichloropropene? 1,3-Dichloropropene (C₃H₄Cl₂) is a clear to straw-coloured liquid with a sharp, sweet, and irritating odour. It is moderately soluble in water and evaporates easily. This compound is primarily generated as a by-product during the chlorination of propene to produce allyl chloride. What is 1,3-Dichloropropene used for? 1,3-Dichloropropene is widely used in agriculture […]

What is Hexachlorobenzene? Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) is a fully chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbon with the molecular formula C₆Cl₆. It is a white crystalline solid, insoluble in water, but very soluble in fats, oils, and organic solvents. HCB is one of the most persistent environmental pollutants, capable of bioaccumulating in the food chain and biomagnifying in animals and […]

What is Carbaryl? Carbaryl, also known as 1-naphthyl methylcarbamate, is an insecticide with the molecular formula C₁₂H₁₁NO₂ and a molecular weight of 201.2 g/mol. It appears as a white crystalline solid that is slightly soluble in water and essentially odourless. Carbaryl was first registered in the U.S. in 1959 and remains widely used, with over […]

What are Perchlorates? Perchlorates are salts derived from perchloric acid (HClO₄). These compounds are colourless and odourless and can occur naturally or through manufacturing processes. Most perchlorate salts are highly soluble in water and have been used in medicine for over 50 years, particularly in treating thyroid disorders. Perchlorates are stable at normal temperatures, but […]

What is Phthalic Anhydride? Phthalic anhydride is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₈H₄O₃. It is the anhydride of phthalic acid. It appears as white, lustrous crystalline needles and has a pungent, choking odour. It is: Phthalic anhydride is made through catalytic oxidation of ortho-xylene or naphthalene. It can also be produced from phthalic […]

What is Biphenyl? Biphenyl (also known as diphenyl, phenylbenzene, 1,1'-biphenyl, or lemonene) is an organic compound that forms colourless crystals with a pleasant smell. It is an aromatic hydrocarbon with the molecular formula (C₆H₅)₂. Biphenyl is known as a starting material for producing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and is also used as an intermediate in making […]