Organic Chemistry

Why are there so many colours of plants? Learn about plant pigments and their role in plants.

Alkaloids are found in some of the most addictive substances that humans consume. What are alkaloids, and how do they cause addiction?

Learn about the potential of algae as a material for making biofuel.

When deceased whales wash up on shore, people fear they might explode. Gas laws, decomposition reactions and organic chemistry can help us understand this fear.

Has your fresh juicy apple turned an unsightly brown? Learn about the redox reaction behind the transformation.

Why does drinking too much alcohol make people feel so bad? Read about four theories.

Learn about the organic compounds that make up lipstick as well as about some of the chemistry that goes into this popular cosmetic.

Every time you wash your hands with soap, there are complex chemical reactions taking place.

Learn the organic chemistry behind this very useful plastic. Why is recycling polystyrene hard? Why does polystyrene often end up as solid waste?

Learn how e-cigarettes and other vaping products work, and why scientists and health professionals have concerns about their safety.

Ethanol is a biofuel that can power a car. Learn about the enzymes, catalysts and processes like fermentation involved in ethanol production.

How do plants use scents? Learn how some plants use chemical signals to send messages to animals or other plants.