Common Molecules, Structures and Names

Activity 3

Water (H2O)

I represented the molecule commonly known as water. Water is a simple bond between 1 oxygen atom and 2 hydrogen atoms. This molecule is responsible for covering over half of our planet and is necessary for our survival.

IUPAC name of molecule: water or oxidane

Carbon dioxide (CO2)

Using an avocado and Reese's cups, I managed to create the molecule of carbon dioxide. This molecule is made up of 1 carbon atom and 2 oxygen atoms. This is what we exhale out of our bodies after breathing in oxygen.

IUPAC name of molecule:

carbon dioxide

Ammonia (NH3)

Ammonia is a molecule consisting of 3 hydrogen atoms bonding with 1 nitrogen atom. It is a hazardous substance but used in many household cleaning products.

IUPAC name for molecule:

azane

20 Common Chemicals

1. Propylene glycol - this is the common name for a chemical found in deodorant.    IUPAC: propane-1, 2-diol      Formula: C3H8O2

2. Formaldehyde - this chemical is found in hairspray. IUPAC: methanal

Formula: CH2O or HCHO

3. Ethanol - another chemical used in hairspray. Ethanol is the common name for this chemical as well as the IUPAC name. Formula: C2H6O

4. Theobromine - found in chocolate. IUPAC: 3,7-dimethyl-1H-purine-2,6-dione    Formula: C7H8N4O2

5. Phenethylamine - chemical found in chocolate responsible for increased mood. IUPAC: 2-phenyl-2-ethanamine

Formula: C8H11N

6. Caffeine - a chemical found in soft drinks and coffee. Formula: C8H10N4O2

 IUPAC: 1,3,7-trimethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione 3,7-dihydro-1,3,7-trimethyl-1H-purine-2,6-dione

7. Glucose - a common sugar found in chocolate and soft drinks. IUPAC: D-glucose  Formula: C6H12O6

8 Fructose - this type of sugar is also called fruit sugar. You may recognize the name high fructose corn syrup which of course contains fructose. IUPAC: fructose   Formula: C6H12O6

9. Sugar - known as table sugar. Found in all kinds of candy and sweets. IUPAC: sucrose

Formula: C12H22O11

10. Ethylene - used to preserve fruits such as apples and bananas. IUPAC: ethene     Formula: C2H4

11. Aspartame - a sugar substitute used in some foods and beverages. Formula: C14H18N2O5     IUPAC: N-L-phenylalanine,1-methyl ester

Sodium benzoate

12. Sodium benzoate - used as a food preservative in things such as milk and meat. Formula: NAC7H5O2  IUPAC: sodium benzoate

Red Canthaxanthin

13. Canthaxanthin - used in food like egg yolk to brighten color. IUPAC: B,B-Carotene-4,4'-dione    Formula: C40H52O2

14. Monosodium glutamate - known as MSG. IUPAC: sodium 2-aminopentanedioate Formula: C5H8NO4Na

15. Potassium bromate - increases volume in flour.

 IUPAC: potassium bromate  Formula: KBrO3

16. Diacetyl - has a buttery flavor. Used in popcorn. IUPAC: butane -2,3-dione Formula: C4H6O2

17. Sodium lauryl sulfate - found in shampoo. IUPAC: sodium lauryl sulfate  Formula: NaC12H25S

18. Sodium Chloride - also known as a common salt or rock salt. Used in shampoo. IUPAC: sodium chloride Formula: NaCl

19. Cocamidopropyl Betaine - foaming agent in shampoo. 

IUPAC: 2-acetate Formula: C19H38N2O3

20. Calcium Carbonate - found in dish soap. IUPAC: calcium carbonate Formula: CaCO3

3. Carbon - 4 bonds

    Hydrogen - 7 bonds

    Oxygen - 2 bonds

4. IUPAC stands for International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.

5. For some products that claim to be chemical free, this simply mean that they are free of any known toxic or harmful chemicals. These chemicals include chlorine, heavy metals such as lead or aluminum, and others. Most chemical free products have "organic" on the label which is an indication that it is healthier or safer for you. For many of these products, the chemicals that prevent mold and allow products to last are substituted for safer chemicals that do not keep for as long. Of course, everything including organic products are made of chemicals. It all depends on how safe the chemicals used really are.