Anode

The negative electrode of a battery where things loses electrons.

In the electrolysis of water, the anode produces oxygen.

by chemguide August 05, 2019

paraxanthine

a derivative of xanthine with 2 methyl groups replacing it. It is structurally similar to theobromine and caffeine, just the difference of methyl groups.

Caffeine is changed to 84% paraxanthine, 12% theobromine and 4% theophylline.

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

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

The dose makes the poison

Everything in the world is harmful if in large amounts, and this includes all-natural fruits, water, etc. , because the dose (amount) makes the poison (lethal).

Ad: "No artificial sweeteners, all-natural! Detox drink"
Me: "The dose makes the poison, do you know that everything can be toxic?"

by chemguide August 11, 2019

Aromatic compound

some kind of compounds containing conjugated double bonds, like benzene.

According to Huckel's rule, aromatic compound needs following properties:
-The structure is planar (no sp3 carbons)
-There is a cyclic ring in the structure
-Has 4n+2 electrons in the pi system

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