chemguide's definitions

Cathode

The positive electrode where electrons are moved to.

In a battery, the metal ions in cathode gains electrons while the anode loses.

by chemguide August 5, 2019

theophylline

A dimethyl derivative of xanthine, structurally similar to theobromine.

Theophylline is used in therapy for respiratory diseases.

by chemguide August 11, 2019

imide

Amide but with one more carbonyl group. It is not basic and if the nitrogen is bonded to H, even sodium hydroxide can deprotonate it.

Imides have very low pKa values, and is not basic at all.

by chemguide August 10, 2019

Cyclopentadiene

An hydrocarbon compound that is basically violating being a hydrocarbon. Its pKa value is only 16, making it as acidic as water.
Its structure is a cyclopentane ring with 2 double bonds.

The reason for cyclopentadiene to be such acidic is because of its ionic structure. It has an aromatic anionic structure, making it extremely stable.

by chemguide August 12, 2019

chemophobia

The fear of chemistry/ chemicals. The actual truth is that chemicals are everywhere, including water. Unfortunately, people make 'chemical-free' stuffs (which is wrong). This problem, therefore, should be fixed.

Just see how strong your chemophobia is.
Do you know that dihydrogen monoxide is now found in every water source? Its gas and solid state can burn people! And it is the main component of acid rain! You want to ban it?
Actually it is water.

by chemguide August 11, 2019

ketone

An organic functional group with a carbonyl in the middle and other groups on the 2 other sides (usually represented as R and R')

The most common ketone is acetone, which is used in fingernail polishes.

by chemguide August 5, 2019

methyl orange

A pH indicator (most commonly) used in acidic conditions.

In acidic conditions methyl orange is red but in neutral / basic conditions it is yellow.

by chemguide August 11, 2019