Chemistry In Its Element

With a name that literally means rotten resin, asafoetida is a surprising food additive and deodorant

The 1984 accident at Bhopal, India, was the worst in the history of industrial chemistry. It involved a leak of methyl isocyanate

Kat Arney introduces a biologically ubiquitous compound, important in beating both infectious viruses and invasive weeds

The tastiest food additive there is, or the greatest threat to life in the western world?

The Battle of Jutland was fought 100 years ago next week, on May 31st, 1916. A critical role was played by cordite

Michael Freemantle takes a stroll through 'Jane Austen country' to discover this week's compound: Coumarin

For decades, automobile fuel had a dangerous additive: Tetraethyl lead. Matt Gunther explains why a toxic compound was added to our fuel

It failed as a painkiller, but Haldol rapidly became an essential medicine for schizophrenia. Raychelle Burks explains more

It may not be the best material for solar cells but it has some distinct advantages

Rowena Fletcher-Wood on the simple compound that links spandex, automobile safety and space exploration: Hydrazine

Does burnt toast cause cancer? Martha Henriques explores this complex question

This week's compound has had a glowing career in the arts and a runaway success in the energy sector

Michael Freemantle with a colourful account of the birth of synthetic organic chemistry

Emma Stoye on citronellol - her constant companion when faced with biting bugs

Kat Arney discovers the compound that first coloured the Chicago river green for St Patrick's Day

What do hygienic work surfaces have in common with 19th century French violins? Brian Clegg finds out.

Too much cola can mess with your brain. The effects of excess brominated vegetable oil explained

Oseltamivir, or Tamiflu, stockpiling during the 2009 H1N1 epidemic highlighted significant problems with drugs trials policy

Flibanserin was touted to be the female Viagra. Martha Henriques explains why it failed to live up to the hype.

Michael Freemantle relates the history arolein, a poor tear gas with unexpected benefits