Molecule of the Month Home Pagerotating aspirin molecule

Welcome to the Molecule of the Month page!

This is one of the longest running chemistry webpages on the internet. Each month since January 1996 a new molecule has been added to the list on this page, which makes this one of the longest running Chemical websites on the internet! The links will take you to a page at one of the Web sites at a University Chemistry Department or commercial site in the UK, the US, or anywhere in the world, where useful (and hopefully entertaining!), information can be found about a particularly interesting molecule.

Each month's new molecule will be announced on Twitter [@MoleculeM] and via an RSS newsfeed [http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/motm/rss.xml].

We are always happy to receive Molecule of the Month articles from anyone who wishes to submit one. If you wish to contribute a MOTM article, there's a document containing all the information you need online.

What do I need to see the pages properly?

See here for all the details of software and helper files you require. In brief, next to each molecule name (scroll down the page) there will be one or more of the following buttons. Clicking each button takes you to a different version of the page, as described below.

html button A simple HTML-only page with text and images.
pdf button A page in pdf format. (Requires a Adobe Acrobat viewer).
vrml button A page with optional VRML structure files. (Requires a VRML viewer such as Cortona).
chime button A page with embedded CHIME structure files. (Requires the CHIME plug-in to be installed on your browser).
JMol button A page with embedded java structure files. (Requires Java to be enabled on your browser).
JSMol button A page with embedded javascript structure files. (Requires a browser that supports HTML5).

See here for a list of the awards and citations received by this page and a disclaimer.

Above is a drop-down alphabetical list of all the molecules. Click on your molecule of choice to take you directly to it in the chronological table below.

 Molecules that amaze us

Buy a book containing many of these molecules!

Paul May and Simon Cotton have compiled a set of some of the most important and interesting molecules from this website, as well as many more that have never been published before, and published them as a book that you can buy from the Taylor and Francis website or from other online retailers.

moleculeline

DateMoleculeVersionsContributorLocation
September 2024 Metaldehyde
The component of slug pellets now banned in many countries		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May Bristol University
August 2024 Curare (D-Tubocurarine)
The South American dart poison known as the 'Flying death'		 HTML
JSmol		 Sophie Goodall Bristol University
July 2024 Chloromethane
A natural ozone destroyer		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
June 2024 Sodium chloride
Table salt		 HTML Sophie Goodall Bristol University
May 2024 Penicillin
The first antibiotic 'miracle drug'.		 HTML
JSmol		 Henry Goss-Custard Eton College, UK
April 2024 Octanone
Attack of the Killer Mushrooms!		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May Bristol University
March 2024 Hinokitiol
The tree extract that can transport iron around the body		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
February 2024 Dextromethorphan (DXM)
The cough medicine that causes hallucinations in high doses		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May Bristol University
January 2024 Allyl isothiocyanate
The key ingredient of mustard		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
December 2023 PMD
(p-menthane-3,8-diol)
A natural mosquito repellent.		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
November 2023 Varespladib methyl
The heart drug that may treat snake venom		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May Bristol University
October 2023 'Spice'
(AMB-FUBINACA and JWH-018)
The ‘Zombie Drug’		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
September 2023 Diethyl ether
The well-known anaesthetic		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May Bristol University
August 2023 MPPP (Desmethylprodine)
The first ‘designer drug’ disaster		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
July 2023 White Phosphorus
The fiery element discovered by an alchemist		 HTML Roderick Edmonds Eton College, UK
June 2023 Anethole
The flavour of aniseed and liquorice		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May Bristol University
May 2023 Benzoic acid
Not just an E number!		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
April 2023 Methadone
Useful medicine or addictive opiate?		 HTML
JSmol		 Henry Goss-Custard Eton College, UK
March 2023 Heroin
The most notorious addictive opioid drug		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May
Masoud Sadeghi		 Bristol University
University of Kashan, Iran
February 2023 Trimethylgallium
The precursor to gallium nitride and blue LEDs		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
January 2023 Androstenone
The pig pheromone that can stop your dog barking		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May Bristol University
December 2022 Napalm
The oldest type of chemical weapon		 HTML Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
November 2022 Creatine
Can you finally attain your beach body?		 HTML
JSmol		 Prakshan Vasuthan, Arnold Cheng, Louis Kebell Eton College, UK
October 2022 Para-Phenylenediamine (PPD)
The hair dye that causes skin irritation		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May Bristol University
September 2022 Wine lactone
A key odorant, particularly in white wines		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
August 2022 Aetokthonotoxin
The mystery toxin responsible for ‘kamikaze bird syndrome’		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May Bristol University
July 2022 Toluene
The precursor to TNT		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
June 2022 Lime (CaO)
The origin of limelight		 HTML Paul May Bristol University
May 2022 Carminic acid
Have you been eating insects your whole life?		 HTML
JSMol		 Sydnee Craven University of Adelaide, South Australia
April 2022 Dianabol
The first synthetic anabolic steroid		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
March 2022 Phenolphthalein
The acidity indicator and laxative
that resulted from two lucky accidents		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul May Bristol University
February 2022 (E)-2-butene-1-thiol
And other components of skunk spray		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
January 2022 Eugenol
The smell of cloves and a
potential treatment for 'brain-freeze'.		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul May Bristol University
December 2021 Ethanol
Ancient intoxicant, spectacular solvent and future fuel		 HTML
JSmol		 Roderick Edmonds Eton College, UK
November 2021 Zeise's salt
A pioneering organometallic compound from 1830		 HTML Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
October 2021 Hyaluronic Acid
The hyped skin-care product
that does actually reduce wrinkles		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul May Bristol University
September 2021 Styrene
The building block for all those cups!		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
August 2021 Biotin
(a.k.a. Vitamin B7 or Vitamin H)
The hair and skin vitamin		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul May Bristol University
July 2021 Citral
A key lemon odorant		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
June 2021 Astaxanthin
The reason flamingoes are pink!		 HTML
JSmol		 Catherine Cook Sussex University, UK
May 2021 Semaglutide
The diabetes drug that might
also be a cure for obesity		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul May Bristol University
April 2021 Methylmercury Cysteinate
How mercury reaches the human brain		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
March 2021 Titanium dioxide
The pigment also known as 'brilliant white'		 HTML Roderick Edmonds Eton College, UK
February 2021 Curcumin
The colour and flavour of turmeric
with controversial health claims		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul May Bristol University
January 2021 Hydrogen Fluoride
The notorious acid.		 HTML
JSmol		 Efa Wilson and Stephen Belding Rugby School, UK
December 2020 PETase
The plastic-eating fungal enzyme		 HTML Laurie Guard Rugby School, UK
November 2020 N-nitrosodimethylamine
(NDMA)
A possible carcinogen in some medicines		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
October 2020 Diborane
The story of an undergraduate
vs a Nobel laureate		 HTML
JSmol		 Ollie Whitley and Stephen Belding Rugby School, UK
September 2020 Paracetamol
Also known as Acetaminophen
or by the brand names
Tylenol or Panadol		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
August 2020 Chlorhexidine
The broad-spectrum antiseptic
used in mouthwashes		 HTML
JSmol		 Yu Xi Ke and Claudia Orellana Hereford Sixth Form College
Hereford, UK
July 2020 Dexamethasone
The new treatment for Covid-19		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul May Bristol University
June 2020 Benzaldehyde
The smell of almonds and Maraschino cherries		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul May Bristol University
May 2020 Quadricyclane
Liquid Sunshine!		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
April 2020 Thyroxine
The metabolic rate hormone
that prevents 'a pain in the neck'!		 HTML
JSmol		 Mike Thompson and Becky Ting Rugby School, UK
March 2020 Theobromine
The caffeine-like alkaloid
in chocolate that is good for you		 HTML
JSmol		 Rob Lyon, George Mitchell and Claudia Orellana Hereford Sixth Form College
Hereford, UK
February 2020 Desomorphine
(a.k.a. Krokodil, the ‘flesh-eating’ drug)		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
January 2020 Lycopene
The red colour of tomatoes		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul May Bristol University
December 2019 Modafinil
A Nootropic		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
November 2019 Luciferin
The glowing group of molecules
responsible for bioluminescence		 HTML
JSmol		 Leila Hewitt, Elise Lacey, Columbus Layton and Emilia White Hereford Sixth Form College
Hereford, UK
October 2019 Nitrogen trifluoride
The etching gas that's recently been found to be a major Greenhouse gas problem		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
September 2019 Dimethyltryptamine (DMT)
The so-called spirit molecule		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul May Bristol University
August 2019 Testosterone
The male hormone		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
July 2019 Estradiol
The main female hormone		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul May Bristol University
June 2019 Trichlorofluoromethane
(CFCl3 or CFC-11)
The ozone-eliminating gas that we thought had gone for good...		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
May 2019 Rose Bengal
The pink eye stain
that might be a cancer treatment		 HTML
JSmol		 Claudia Orellana Hereford Sixth Form College
April 2019 Cannabidiol (CBD)
(and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC))
Ingredients in cannabis and marijuana		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
March 2019 Cytisine
The poisonous plant that might help people stop smoking		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul May Bristol University
February 2019 Octane
The molecule in petroleum
used for car engines		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
January 2019 Vitamin B3 (Niacin, Nicotinic acid)
The vitamin that prevents pellagra		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul May Bristol University
December 2018 Carfentanil
The tranquiliser for wild game that is
the most powerful commercially available opioid		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
November 2018 Narcan (Naloxone)
The 'miracle' antidote for opiate overdoses.		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul May Bristol University
October 2018 Scopolamine (Hyoscine)
Dr Crippen’s Drug,
which is also used to rob people		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
September 2018 Cathinone
Known on the street as 'Monkey Dust'		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul May Bristol University
August 2018 Novichok
The notorious nerve agent		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul May Bristol University
July 2018 Thallium sulphate
Rat poison used for Murder		 HTML Mike Thompson, Matty Coe and Thomas Sloan Rugby School, Rugby, UK
June 2018 Ethylene glycol
(Ethane-1,2-diol)
and antifreeze poisoning		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
May 2018 Tartrazine
The controversial yellow food-colouring and dye		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul May Bristol University
April 2018 Ninhydrin
It turns amino acids deep purple		 HTML
JSmol		 Li Liang National Chung Hsing University, Taiwan
March 2018 Zingiberene
(and Epizingiberene)
It's a ginger spice!		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
February 2018 Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
More than just a food colouring		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul May Bristol University
January 2018 Glycerol (Glycerine)
How the SAS start fires in the Jungle		 HTML
JSmol		 Mike Thompson and Charlie Thompson Rugby School, Rugby, UK
December 2017 Incensole
and other molecules in frankincense, including incensole acetate		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
November 2017 Amygdalin
“The slickest, most sophisticated,
and certainly the most
remunerative cancer quack
promotion in medical history”		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul MayBristol University
October 2017 Lariam
The controversial antimalarial drug		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
September 2017 Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Deficiency of this causes beriberi		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul MayBristol University
August 2017 Methyl hexaneamine
The illegal stimulant that cost Usain Bolt one of his 9 gold medals.		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
July 2017 Vitamin C
The cure for scurvy		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul MayBristol University
June 2017 Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Records, tubing, flooring and unusual clothing...		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
May 2017 Methanethiol
and other stinky components of durian		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul MayBristol University
April 2017 Nitrogen trichloride, NCl3
The explosive liquid that injured both Sir Humphrey Davy and Michael Faraday		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
March 2017 Nepetalactone
The molecule in catnip that makes cats stoned.		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul MayBristol University
February 2017 Benzoyl peroxide
(and other chemicals used for the treatment of acne)		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
January 2017 Vitamin A
The molecule of vision.		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul MayBristol University
December 2016 2,4-Dinitrophenylhydrazine
The standard test for carbonyls which can be explosive!		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
November 2016 Neohesperidin
The bitter taste in bitter-oranges that can be converted into a sweetener.		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul MayBristol University
October 2016 Ferric Chloride
Not just for etching copper.		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
September 2016 Vitamin E
The 'sex drug'.		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul MayBristol University
August 2016 Acrylamide
The (possibly) poisonous molecule that results from cooking starchy foods at high temperature.		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
July 2016 Resveratrol
The Fountain of Youth and the explanation for the French Paradox?		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul MayBristol University
June 2016 Cobalt chloride
A drug used to dope racehorses that's also a water indicator.		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
May 2016 Vitamin K
The vitamin required for blood klotting		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul MayBristol University
April 2016 Acetic acid
The main constituent of vinegar.		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
March 2016 Melanin
The pigment that causes different skin colours		 HTML Paul MayBristol University
February 2016 Cocaine
The notorious recreational drug.		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
January 2016 Congo Red
A red dye, but not from the Congo		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul May Bristol University
December 2015 Codeine and Oxycodone
Painkillers that can become addictive.		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
November 2015 Vitamin D
...or how Shaun the Sheep helps prevent rickets!		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul MayBristol University
October 2015 Ivermectin
The treatment for river blindness.		 HTML Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
September 2015 Stevioside
The ‘natural’ sweetener that’s an alternative to sugar.		 HTML
JSmol		 Paul MayBristol University
August 2015 Beta-Damascenone
A rose by any other name...		 HTML
JSmol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
July 2015 Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
A molecule of relaxation...		 HTML
JSMol		 Gabriella Zanetti Hull Collegiate School
Hull, UK
June 2015 1,3-Butadiene
Golf balls, tyres and Lego.		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul MayBristol University
May 2015 Dinitrophenol (DNP)
The weight-loss pill that's potentially fatal.		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
April 2015 Colchicine
The poison that's also a treatment for gout.		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
March 2015 Fentanyl
The knock-out gas controversially used to end the Moscow theatre siege		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May Bristol University
February 2015 Thiomersal
The molecule that prevents vaccines from going stale.		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
January 2015 Tetranitratoxycarbon
The explosive molecule discovered by a 10-year-old girl.		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May Bristol University
December 2014 Trinitrotoluene (TNT)
The explosive that won WWI & WWII		 HTML
JSMol		 Mike Thompson and George Innes Rugby School, UK
November 2014 Triclosan
The antibacterial molecule found in soaps, detergents, toys and surgical cleaning treatments that maybe becoming an enviromental problem		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
October 2014 Aconitine
A poisoner’s potion of choice.		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul MayBristol University
September 2014 Tramadol
The painkiller used by racing cyclists to give them an edge		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
August 2014 Myristicin
The psychoactive molecule in nutmegs, and the story of the nut that changed the world.		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May Bristol University
July 2014 Salvinorin A
The psychoactive drug that's the key ingredient in Mexican Magic Mint		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
June 2014 Chloroauric acid
What you get when you dissolve gold in acid.		 HTML QH, Niloy Kumar Das Shahjalal Science & Technology University
Bangladesh
May 2014 Sucrose
Table sugar		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul MayBristol University
April 2014 Streptomycin
One of the main drugs to treat Tuberculosis.		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
March 2014 Cholesterol
Bile, membranes, hormones, vitamins and untimely death (and more)		 HTML Ben Benjamin Torbay Hospital
Devon, UK
February 2014 Fluorine
The most reactive non-metal		 HTML
JSMol		 Mike Thompson and Hugh Campbell Rugby School, UK
January 2014 Hydrazine
Rocket fuel, spandex suits, power stations and car air-bags!		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul MayBristol University
December 2013 Dimethyldisulfide
A molecule with a-rum smell...		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
November 2013 Silica
The macromolecule that makes up sand, glass and quartz, and which is a major component of rocks and mountains.		 HTML Guillermo Godino Sedano King´s College
Madrid, Spain
October 2013 Linalool
The main component of lavender oil, which is also found in lots of other places.		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
September 2013 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluroethane
The refrigerant gas that replaced CFCs		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
August 2013 Bisphenol A
The controversial plastic additive		 HTML Mia Monte School of Ramiro de Maeztu
Madrid, Spain
July 2013 Wilkinson's catalyst
The famous inorganic catalyst		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
June 2013 Ammonia
A very important molecule for biological organisms to make proteins or nucleic acids		 HTML QH and Niloy Kumar Das Shahjalal Science & Technology University
Bangladesh
May 2013 Artemisinin
The new antimalarial drug from China		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
April 2013 Phenylbutazone
The controversial horse painkiller		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May Bristol University
March 2013 Lithium Aluminium Hydride
The versatile reducing agent		 HTML Mike Thompson and Jess Abel Rugby School, UK
February 2013 Vaska's Compound
An inorganic molecule that reversibly binds oxygen		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
January 2013 Fluoroform
It's not the same as chloroform!		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
December 2012 Nitrogen Dioxide
One of the gases in smog		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
November 2012 Galanthamine
The anti-Alzheimers' drug derived from snowdrops		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
October 2012 Medroxyprogesterone acetate
The drug used for chemical castration		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May Bristol University
September 2012 Filbertone
The smell of hazelnuts.		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
August 2012 Captopril
The treatment for high blood pressure derived from snake venom		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May Bristol University
July 2012 Raspberry Ketone (or Rheosmin or Frambinone)
The smell of raspberries.		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
June 2012 Tropane
The bicyclic amine that is the precursor to $4 billion pharmaceutical industries		 PDF QH Shahjalal University of Science & Technology
Bangladesh
May 2012 Carbon Dioxide
The gas we exhale that's both a Greenhouse gas and a fire extinguisher		 HTML
JSMol		 Mike Thompson and Jess Abel Rugby School, UK
April 2012 Lauric Acid
The main constituent of coconut oil		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May Bristol University
March 2012 Phenylethylamine
and the amine responsible for the 'Cheese effect'		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
February 2012 Botulinum Toxin
The anti-wrinkle treatment that's the most powerful neurotoxin known.		 HTML
JSMol		 Guillermo Godino Sedano King´s College
Madrid, Spain
January 2012 DMSO (Dimethyl sulfoxide)
The smelly solvent that may have a variety of medical uses		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May Bristol University
December 2011 2,4,6-Tribromophenol
The test for phenol		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton University of Birmingham
November 2011 Hydrogen Cyanide
From Prussian Blue to Schrödinger's Cat		 HTML Alberto Morón Hernández King's College
Madrid, Spain
October 2011 Sodium Hypochlorite
The chemical name for household bleach		 HTML Paul MayBristol University
September 2011 Doxycycline
The antibiotic that's an alternative to penicillin		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
August 2011 Benzene
The first aromatic compound		 HTML
VRML
JMol		 Mike Thompson and Charlie Style Rugby School, UK
July 2011 Sulfanilamide
The antibiotic drug that saved the life of Winston Churchill		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
June 2011 Endosulfan
The controversial insecticide		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May Bristol University
May 2011 Octanal
The smell of oranges that birds use as 'perfume'		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
April 2011 Eribulin (Halaven)
The anti-cancer drug made from a sea-sponge		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May Bristol University
March 2011 Muscone
The deer musk used in perfumes		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
February 2011 Warfarin
The blood anti-coagulant used as a rat poison		 HTML John MaherBristol University
January 2011 DEET
The spray-on insect repellant		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May Bristol University
December 2010 Eucalyptol (1,8-Cineole)
A koala's favourite food		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
November 2010 Kevlar
The super-tough fibre used to make bullet-proof vests		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May Bristol University
October 2010 Heptan-2-one
The stilton cheese molecule		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
September 2010 Kispeptin
The molecule of puberty and sexual fertility		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May Bristol University
August 2010 THG (tetrahydrogestrinone)
The illegal performance-enhancing drug used by some athletes and sportspeople		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
July 2010 Insulin
The hormone that converts sugar in the blood into a source of energy
for our body's metabolic processes		 HTML Maria Kyriakou Bristol University
June 2010 Nylon
The wonder material that made stockings, parachutes and toothbrushes		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
May 2010Diacetyl
The buttery flavour of popcorn, butterscotch, and margarine.		 HTML Trevor Gates Western Oregon University
USA
April 2010 Glycine
The amino-acid that may have kick-started life on Earth		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
March 2010 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
The main cleaning agent in soap and detergent.		 HTML
JSMol		 Zara Kauffer and Paul May Bristol University
February 2010 Heavy Water
It's water - just heavier!		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
January 2010 Green Fluorescent Protein
A molecular tag that can be inserted into genes to make animals and plants glow green.		 HTML
JSMol		 Timothy King and Paul May Bristol University
December 2009 1-Octen-3-ol
The smell of mushrooms.		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
November 2009 Citalopram
A new treatment for depression		 HTML
JSMol		 Benjamin Rawe and Paul May Bristol University
October 2009 Strychnine
The performance enhancing deadly poison		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul M. Burnham Greenhead College
Huddersfield, UK
September 2009 Anandamide
The molecule of extreme pleasure.		 HTML
JSMol		 Sujit Kumar Kar S.K. Foundation
Orissa, India
August 2009 Geosmin
The smell of the countryside.		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
July 2009 Cyanoacrylate
Superglue!		 HTML
Chime
VRML
JMol		 Sarwat Baig University of Bristol
June 2009 Teflon (PTFE)
The non-stick coating on frying pans.		 HTML
Chime
VRML
JMol		 Layth Hendow Hull Collegiate School
Yorkshire, UK
May 2009 Bombykol
The sex pheromone of the silk moth.		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
April 2009 Retinal
The molecule of vision		 HTML
JSMol		 Joshua Howgego and Paul May University of Bristol
March 2009 Hydrogen Sulphide
The smell of rotten eggs.		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
February 2009Indigotin
The dye used to colour blue jeans		 HTML
JSMol		 Richard Marsh and Paul May University of Bristol
January 2009 Oxytocin
The molecule involved in pregnancy, breastfeeding and sexual fidelity!		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
December 2008 Taurine
The stimulant in the 'energy drink' Red Bull - but does it give you wings?		 HTML
JSMol		 Richard Marsh and Paul May University of Bristol
November 2008 2-Methylundecanal
The smell of Chanel No.5 perfume.		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
Oct 2008 Dopamine
The neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and well-being		 HTML
Chime
VRML
JMol		 Sian Gregory and Paul M. Burnham Hillsborough College
Sheffield, UK
Sept 2008 Uric acid
The molecule that causes gout and kidney stones, and is found in bird droppings		 HTML
Chime
VRML
JMol		 Mike Thompson Winchester College
UK
August 2008 Folic Acid
A necessary ingredient for building DNA, cells and babies.		 HTML
JSMol		 Dominic Taylor and Paul May University of Bristol
July 2008 Isoprene
The building block for terpenes and rubber, and the molecule that makes the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, blue.		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
June 2008 Histamine
The molecule associated with immune response, allergies and hayfever.		 HTML
Chime
VRML
JMol		Michael Charles Hatch and Paul May University of Bristol
May 2008 Sulfuric acid
The acid that's the 'King of Chemicals'		 HTML
Chime
VRML
JMol		 Mike Thompson Winchester College
UK
April 2008 Sulphur Hexafluoride
The unreactive gas that's found in electrical insulation, trainers and double-glazing.		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
March 2008 Limonene
The industrial degreasing agent found in orange peel.		 HTML
Chime
VRML
JMol		 Paul M. Burnham Hillsborough College
Sheffield, UK
February 2008 Vanillin
The flavour of vanilla icecream.		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
January 2008 Herceptin
The controversial drug used to treat breast cancer.		 HTML Amy Dyke University of Bristol
December 2007 Methane
The greenhouse gas that cooks our food.		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
November 2007 Nitric Acid
The starting point for explosives and fertilisers.		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May University of Bristol
October 2007 Nitroglycerine
The explosive component in dynamite.		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
September 2007 Propanethial S-oxide
The molecule that makes you cry when peeling onions.		 HTML
Chime
VRML
JMol		 Paul M. Burnham Hillsborough College
Sheffield, UK
August 2007 Menthol
The cooling smell of mint.		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
July 2007 Monosodium Glutamate
The molecule that enhances taste in food.		 HTML
Chime
VRML
JMol		 Pio Monti Kings College School
Madrid, Spain
June 2007 Lutein and Zeaxanthin
The chemistry and biology of the colourful carotenoids we eat as food, or which make the pigments in songbirds' feathers		 HTML
Chime
JMol		 James D. Johnson Alumnus
Dept of Chemistry
Florida State University
May 2007 Acetyl Coenzyme-A
The molecule that makes fats, or burns them		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May University of Bristol
April 2007 Glucose
The sugary source of energy for plants and animals		 HTML
Chime
VRML
JMol		 Mike Thompson Winchester College
UK
March 2007 Methamphetamine
The pick-me-up also known as 'speed'.		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
February 2007 Sodium Thiopental (Sodium Pentothal)
The 'Truth Serum' used in many spy movies.		 HTML
Chime
VRML
JMol		 Adriano Taylor King´s College
Madrid, Spain
January 2007 Prostanoic Acid and Prostagladins
Important natural molecules that resemble hormones and have a range of biological effects.		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May University of Bristol
December 2006 Ethene
The anaesthetic gas that's used to make polythene		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
November 2006 Pentacene
The p-type organic semiconductor which can be used to make organic electronics.		 HTML Fabio Pichierri Tohoku University
Sendai, Japan
October 2006 Chloroform
The anaesthetic and solvent		 HTML
Chime
VRML
JMol		 Stephen Belding University of Oxford
September 2006 Hydrogen Peroxide
Rocket fuel and bleached blondes...		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
August 2006 Cinnamaldehyde
The smell and taste of the spice cinnamon.		 HTML
Chime
VRML
JMol		 Paul M. Burnham Hillsborough College
Sheffield, UK
July 2006 Tamiflu
The anti-flu drug that might protect us froma bird-flu epidemic		 HTML
JMol		 Emily Campbell University of Bristol
June 2006 The Manganese-calcium oxide cluster of Photosystem II
(The Oxygen Evolving Complex)
The complex that cyanobacteria use to split water, release oxygen, and which helped start life on Earth.		 HTML
Chime		 James D. Johnson Florida State University
Tallahassee
USA
May 2006 Linoleic Acid
The vegetable oil that's used to make margarine		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May University of Bristol
April 2006 Skatole
The smell of human excrement		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
March 2006 Cucurbituril
A pumpkin-shaped molecule		 HTML
Chime
VRML
JMol		 Fabio Pichierri Tohoku University
Sendai, Japan
Feb 2006 Hemoglobin
The oxygen-carrying molecule found in blood		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May University of Bristol
January 2006 Batrachotoxin
The poison found on the skin of Amazonian frogs		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
December 2005 Formic Acid (Methanoic Acid)
The poison from ants and stinging nettles		 HTML
Chime
VRML
JMol		 Mathieu Laffitte Freelance writer
France
November 2005 Carbon Monoxide
The poisonous gas from car exhausts		 HTML
Chime
VRML
JMol		 Mike Thompson Winchester College
UK
October 2005 Dimethylsulphide
The smell of truffles		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
September 2005 Dioxin
The pollutant that caused the Seveso disaster		 HTML Fabio Pichierri Tohoku University
Sendai, Japan
August 2005 Linezolid
A new type of oxazolidinone antibiotic		 HTML Rafal Klajn Northwestern University
USA
July 2005 Quinine
The anti-malarial drug that's found in gin and tonic		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
June 2005 Dichlorodifluoromethane (Freon)
Freon gas, the CFC refrigerant that damages the ozone layer.		 HTML Aaron Vorderstrasse Western Oregon University
Monmouth
Oregon, USA
May 2005 British Anti-Lewisite
The chelating molecule that's used to treat heavy metal poisoning.		 HTML Domingo Tabangcura, Jr. and
G. Patrick Daubert, MD		 Regional Poison Control Center
Wayne State University Children's Hospital of Michigan
Detroit
USA
April 2005 Serotonin
A molecule of happiness.		 HTML
 Claire Rosling University of Bristol
March 2005 Hexenal
The key aroma substance emitted when grass is cut.		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
Feb 2005 Galactosylceramide
The chemical found in the brain which is a constituent of nerve cells and intestinal membranes - and which may be implicated in promoting diseases such as HIV.		 HTML Jacques Fantini, Nicolas Garmy,
Nadira Taieb and Nouara Yahi		 Université Paul Cézanne
Marseille, France
Jan 2005 Arsine
The poisonous gas that was an important molecule in the history of forensic science.		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
Dec 2004 Maleimide-Polyethylene Glycol (MPEG4)
Modified human hemoglobin that can be used as a blood substitute.		 HTML Nancy Christy, Shane Haggard, Kimberly Lam,
Rachele Melious and Paula Theobald		 San Diego Mesa College
San Diego, CA, USA
Nov 2004 Morphine
The sedative and painkiller.		 HTML Enrico Uva LaurenHill Academy
Montreal, Canada
Oct 2004 Butane
The fuel in portable cookers, and much more...		 HTML Feng Wang Swinburne University of Technology
Melbourne, Australia
Sept 2004 Ubiquitin
A ubiquitous protein		 HTML Lukasz and Mariusz Jaremko Wroclaw University
Poland
Aug 2004 Trimethylamine
The cause of 'fish breath' in some people.		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
July 2004 Atenolol
A beta-blocker drug used for treating high blood pressure and angina.		 HTML Ravi Bhandari Imperial College London
June 2004 Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol)
The notorious 'date rape' drug.		 HTML
Chime
VRML
JMol		 Gemma Gaitskell Phillips and Paula Fitzgerald Kings College
Madrid, Spain
May 2004 Osmium Tetroxide
The useful chemical reagent that was recently called the "billionaire's chemical weapon"		 HTML
Chime
VRML
JMol		 Mike Thompson Winchester College
UK
Apr 2004 Cantharidin
The 'Spanish Fly' aphrodisiac that's also a beetle defense chemical.		 HTML
Chime		 Gérard Dupuis & Nicole Berland Lycée Faidherbe
Lille, France.
Mar 2004 EDTA
A molecule with a 'complex story', that's found in mayonnaise, beans and Big Macs.		 HTML
Chime		 Scott A. Sinex Prince George's Community College
Largo, MD, USA
Feb 2004 Combretastatin A-4
A Zulu poison that can be used to treat cancer		 HTML
Chime
VRML
JMol		 Mike Thompson Winchester College
UK
Jan 2004 Rotenone
An important piscicide and insecticide		 HTML
Chime		 Emma Castrique Bristol University
Dec 2003 Sulphur Dioxide
A major component of acid rain		 HTML
Chime
VRML
JMol		 Mike Thompson Winchester College
UK
Nov 2003 S-Adenosyl Methionine
A biological methylating agent		 HTML Rich Blatchly Keene State College
Keene
NH, USA
Oct 2003 Dimethyl Mercury
The toxic compound that caused the Minamata disaster		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
Sept 2003 Carnitine
An acyl-carrying nursing biomolecule.		 HTML Hans R. Scholte Erasmus MC-University Medical Center
Rotterdam
Holland
Aug 2003 Fluoxetine (Prozac)
The active ingredient behind the World's most widely used antidepressant drug.		 Chime Gemma Veitch Imperial College London
July 2003 Caeruloplasmin
An enigmatic copper metalloprotein.		 HTML John Maher University of Bristol
June 2003 Pnictogen
A group of materials that might be used to convert electricity into heat and vice versa.		 HTML David Bradley Freelance Science Writer
May 2003 N3 Amide Dyes
A new way to make 'metallo-organic' solar cells		 HTML Jean-Jacques Lagref Novartis Pharma AG
Basel
Switzerland.
Apr 2003 Ketamine
The notorious recreational drug		 HTML
Chime		 Tim Aldridge University of Bristol
Mar 2003 Ethyl Acetate
The source of many natural odours		 HTML Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
Feb 2003 Spidroin
Spider silk and spider poisons		 HTML
Chime		 Vivienne Li Bristol University
Jan 2003 Arsenic Pentachloride, AsCl5
A molecule with unusual bonding		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
Dec 2002 Hemlock (Coniine)
The poison that killed Socrates		 HTML
Chime		 John Huggins Thrybergh Comprehensive School
Rotherham, UK
Nov 2002 Dettol
The antiseptic cleaning fluid		 HTML
Chime
VRML
JMol		 Mike Thompson Winchester College
UK
Oct 2002 Epothilone
A new anti-cancer drug		 HTML Audrey Barthelemy and Carole Christophe Ecole Normale Superieure de Lyon
France
Sept 2002 Ibogaine
The anti-addiction drug		 HTML
Chime
VRML
JMol		 David Bradley Freelance Science Writer
Aug 2002 Uranium Hexafluoride, UF6
The source of uranium for nuclear power		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
July 2002 Alliin
The chemistry of garlic		 HTML Eric Coleman University of Bristol
June 2002 Tryptophan
The controversial food supplement		 HTML Kimberly Dick and Michel Hachey Advanced Chemistry Develpment
Toronto, Canada
May 2002 Etorphine
An elephant tranquiliser		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
Apr 2002 Beta-Carotene
The colour of carrots		 HTML
Chime		 Martha Evens University of Bristol
Mar 2002 Mifepristone (RU-486)
The 'morning after' pill		 HTML Fyaz M.D. Ismail Dept of Pharmacy and Chemistry
Liverpool John Moores University
Feb 2002 Atropine
The muscle relaxant used in surgery		 HTML
Chime		 Sara Kennedy Armthorpe School
Doncaster, UK
Jan 2002 Relenza
The anti-flu drug		 HTML Nikola Sanderson Imperial College London
Dec 2001 Nitrogen Triiodide
The well-known explosive crystals		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
Nov 2001 Ibuprofen
A painkiller		 HTML
Chime		 John Bower University of Bristol
Oct 2001 Tetracycline
The anti-biotic		 HTML
Chime		 Rafal Klajn Institute of Organic Chemistry
PAN, Warsaw
Poland
Sept 2001 Methyl Jasmonate
The smell of jasmine flowers		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland, UK
Aug 2001 Nicotine
The addictive drug in tobacco		 HTML Muriel Fabre, Guillaume Bouchon, Sébastien Abry
and Daniel Simon		 École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
France
July 2001 VX gas
The notorious nerve agent		 HTML
Cavus Batki University of Bristol
June 2001 ClF3
Rocket fuel		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland
May 2001 Brassinolide
The plant growth hormone		 HTML
Chime
VRML
JMol		 Martin A. Iglesias-Arteaga University of Havana
Cuba
Apr 2001 Capsaicin
The heat of chillis		 HTML
Chime
VRML		 Matthew Bellringer University of Bristol
Mar 2001 Frontalin
A beetle signal pheremone		 HTML
Chime		 Gérard Dupuis and
Nicole Berland		 Lycée Faidherbe
Lille, France.
Feb 2001 Aspartame
A synthetic sweetener		 HTML
Chime
VRML
JMol		 D. Eric Walters Finch University of Health Sciences
The Chicago Medical School
Chicago, USA
Jan 2001 Tetraethyl Lead
The anti-knock agent in petroleum		 HTML
JSMol		 Simon Cotton Uppingham School
Rutland
Dec 2000 2,4,5-T (Agent Orange)
The notorious Vietnam War defoliant		 HTML
Chime
VRML		 John Hardy University of Bristol
Nov 2000 Bis(2,4-dinitrophenyl) oxalate (DNPO)
Light-emitting chemicals		 HTML Daniel Ormsby University of Leeds
Oct 2000 Nandrolone
The controversial anabolic steroid		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May University of Bristol
Sept 2000 ABT-594 and Epibatidine
A painkiller		 HTML John Cameron and
Kathleen Brawley		 University of Aberdeen
Aug 2000 Cisplatin
The anti-cancer drug		 HTML
Chime		 Mitch Miller Symyx Technologies
USA
July 2000 Thalidomide
The notorious morning sickness drug		 HTML Alex Lingham Bristol University
June 2000 Histrionicotoxin
The frog poison used in blowpipe darts		 HTML
Chime
VRML
JMol		 Neil Edwards and Mark Reed Sussex University
May 2000 Chlorophyll
The green colour of plants		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May Bristol University
Apr 2000 Melatonin
The sleep-wake-cycle regulating chemical		 Chime Salinthip Thipayang Imperial College London
Mar 2000 cis-g-Irone
The violet-like scent of Iris oils used in perfumes		 HTML Jean-Marie Galano Université D'Aix-Marseille III
France
Feb 2000 Frankincense
(Boswellic Acid)
The Biblical fragrant gum resin		 HTML
Chime
VRML		 Gordon Docherty Bristol University
Jan 2000 DNA
The genetic blueprint molecule		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul MayBristol University
Dec 1999 Tamoxifen
The anti-cancer drug		 HTML
Chime		 Huw Tanner Imperial College London
Nov 1999 Tetrodotoxin
The poison in puffer fish		 HTML
Chime
VRML
JMol		 Jim Johnson 3D Biochem
USA
Oct 1999 Psilocybin and Mescaline
The hallucinogen in 'magic mushrooms'		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May Bristol University
Sept 1999 Anatoxin
A toxin extracted from algae		 HTML
Chime
VRML
JMol		 Neil Edwards Sussex University
Aug 1999 Salbutamol
The anti-asthma treatment		 Chime Jerome Hettich Imperial College London
July 1999 Zyban (Bupropion)
The treatment for nicotine addiction		 HTML Bernard Blessington
and Jamie Harris		 University of Bradford
June 1999 Nitrous oxide
Laughing gas		 HTML
JSMol		 Ewan Cameron
and Paul May		 University of Bristol
May 1999Adrenaline
The 'fight or flight' hormone		 HTML Frank Oellien Computer-Chemie-Centrum
University of Erlangen-Nürnberg
Germany
Apr 1999 Staurosporine
An anti-cancer drug		 HTML
Chime		 Clive WalkerNovartis Horsham Research Centre
Feb 1999 Ptaquiloside
The poison in bracken		 HTML
Chime
VRML
JMol		 David Bradley Freelance Science Writer/Editor
Jan 1999 Cubane
A cubic molecule		 HTML
Chime		 Beinn Muir Imperial College
Dec 1998 LSD
The notorious hallucigenic drug		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May University of Bristol
Nov 1998 Polythiophene
A conducting organic polymer		 JSMol Peter Tebbutt Cherwell
Oct 1998 Ferritin
An iron-storage protein		 HTML James Bashkin, Regina Frey
and Maureen Donlin		 Washington University
St Louis, Mo, USA
Sept 1998 Saxitoxin
A powerful shellfish poison		 HTML
JMol		 Neil Edwards University of Sussex
Aug 1998 Finasteride
A treatment for baldness?		 HTML Cynthia Schieck Virginia Commonwealth University
USA
July 1998 Formaldehyde
The biology specimen preservative		 HTML Walter Volland Bellevue Community College
Washington, USA
June 1998 Mustard Gas
The notorious WW1 chemical warfare agent		 HTML
JSMol		 Rebecca Holland Bristol University
May 1998 Proline
A useful synthetic reagent		 HTML Andrew Potter Liverpool University
April 1998 MCM-41
A zeolite catalyst		 HTML
Chime		 Vladimir GusevFreelance
Mar 1998 Ozone
The Earth's protective layer		 HTML Eloise Stattersfield Bristol University
Feb 1998 Sulfanilamide
A useful antibiotic		 HTML
Chime
JMol		 Peter Tebbutt Cherwell
Jan 1998 Adenosine Triphosphate
(ATP)
The body's energy storage molecule		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May University of Bristol
Dec 1997 4-Bromo-4'-Methoxy-
acetophenone Azine
An organic magnet		 HTML Rainer Glaser University of Missouri-Columbia
Nov 1997 Scorpionine
A scorpion-shaped molecule		 HTML
Chime		 Henry Rzepa Imperial College London
Oct 1997 N2S2
A molecule with unusual bonding		 HTML
Chime		 Joe Gerratt University of Bristol
Sept 1997 Hexol
The molecule that helped the understanding of coordination chemistry		 JSmol Robert Lancashire University of the West Indies,
Mona, Jamaica
Aug 1997 [Ag{(NC)Mn(CO)2-
P(OPh3)(dppm)}2]+
A molecule with a near-linear chain of 7 atoms		 HTML
JSmol		 John Crossley University of Bristol
July 1997 Vancomycin
The ultimate antibiotic		 HTML
Chime		 Alan Bunch
and Anthony Baines		 University of Kent
June 1997 Triphenylmethyl
A propellor-shaped molecule		 HTML Andrew Hudson
& Richard Jackson		 Sussex University
May 1997 Vitamin B12
The vitamin that prevents anaemia		 Chime John Maher Bristol University
April 1997 Cyclooctene
A chiral molecule		 HTML
Chime		 David Bradley Freelance Science Writer/Editor
Mar 1997 t-AlF3
The interesting crystal structure		 HTML
Chime
VRML		 Armel Le Bail Laboratoire des Fluorures
University of Lemans, France
Feb 1997 Taxol
The anti-cancer drug		 HTML
JSMol		 Neil Edwards University of Bristol
Jan 1997 C60 Buckyballs
The famous football-shaped molecule		 HTML
Chime		 Wyn Locke Imperial College London
Dec 1996 Decahelicene
A spiral-shaped molecule		 HTML
 Hens Borkent CMBI
Radboud University
Nijmegen, NL
Nov 1996 Sialyl Lewis X
A carbohydrate that recognises blood groups		 HTML Steven Isles & Alan Wilson University of Birmingham
Oct 1996 Water
Not just for drinking...		 HTML Shawn Huston Kenner MDL Information Systems, Inc.
Sept 1996 Digitalis
A treatment for heart disease		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May University of Bristol
Aug 1996 Helvetane and Israelane
Hypothetical molecules with intriguing shapes		 HTML Mitchell Miller Lion Biosciences
USA
July 1996 Diamond
The world's favourite gem		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May University of Bristol
June 1996 Urea
The first synthetic organic product		 HTML Stuart Fairall De Montfort University
May 1996 Ferrocene
The well known organo-metallic sandwich		 HTML Karl Harrison University of Oxford
Apr 1996 Delta-THC
The active ingredient in cannabis		 HTML Lee Banting Portsmouth University
Mar 1996 Phthalocyanine
A dye, catalyst and anti-cancer agent		 HTML Alan Wilson University of Birmingham
Feb 1996 Aspirin
The first painkiller		 HTML
JSMol		 Paul May University of Bristol
Jan 1996 Mauveine dye
The first synthetic dye		 HTML
Chime		 Henry Rzepa Imperial College London

moleculeline

Coming soon:

[Er(EDTA)(H2O)3]-; Hedione; Progesterone; Methyl salicylate; Palytoxin; Caffeine; Chloroquine; Anthocyanin; Tyrian purple; 5-nitrotetrazole; Propan-2-ol; Liddicoatite; Methylene Blue; Silane; Borazine; Phosphine; Ketene;...

moleculeline

Related Links

There are other Molecule collections at: