This infographic explains Polaroid chemistry. It shows how three silver bromide (AgBr) layers react to blue, green, and red light. When light hits AgBr, silver ions form. Potassium hydroxide deprotonates hydroquinone-linked dyes (yellow, magenta, cyan). In unexposed areas, these dyes diffuse upward to form the image. In exposed areas, silver ions oxidize the hydroquinone, locking the dye in place. Finally, an acid polymer neutralizes the base to stabilize the photo.

The first public display of instant photography took place #OTD in 1947. Here's a #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social that looks at the chemistry behind polaroid images: cen.acs.org/materials/Pe...

#ChemSky 🧪

Infographic titled “How do antiviral nasal sprays work?” shows a nasal spray bottle centered between panels explaining mechanisms, effectiveness, and side effects. Left panel describes polymer gel barriers like HPMC and carrageenan that trap viruses, block spike proteins, and acidic pH buffers that suppress viruses. Middle notes saline sprays may form hypochlorous acid. Right panel cites a 2024 trial showing sprays reduced average sick days versus usual care, with mild side effects such as headache, sinus pain, and sneezing.

Can antiviral sprays spare you from the flu? And how do they claim to work? In the latest edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social, we examine the evidence: cen.acs.org/pharmaceutic...

#ChemSky 🧪

This infographic explains the basics of antiviral nasal sprays. It includes a simple drawing of the nasal passage lining and the action of virus particles. It also includes a photo of a nasal spray bottle and statistics about flu- and cold-type symptoms.

How effective are antiviral nasal sprays? The latest edition of #PeriodicGraphics by @compoundchem.com examines the evidence and looks at how these sprays fight viruses. cen.acs.org/pharmaceutic...

#chemsky 🧪

This five-panel infographic looks at various naturally occurring toxins found in some vegetables. The first panel discusses solanine, a compound found in green potatoes that can cause gastrointestinal upset. The second panel features cucurbitacins, bitter compounds found in gourds such as pumpkins and zucchini; high amounts of these compounds cause vomiting and diarrhea. The third panel features furanocoumarins, which are found in parsnips and celery leaves and can cause phytophotodermatitis when in contact with the skin. The fourth panel looks at oxalic acid and anthraquinone glycosides, compounds that are found in rhubarb leaves and that make them toxic if eaten. The final panel features phytohemagglutinin, a protein found in high levels in uncooked kidney beans that, when eaten in high amounts, causes vomiting and diarrhea.

Today is #WorldPulsesDay and kidney beans feature in this edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social on toxins in common fruits and vegetables - did you know that uncooked kidney beans contain a toxin that can cause nausea and diarrhoea? cen.acs.org/biological-c...

#ChemSky 🧪

This infographic titled "The Chemistry of Dentistry" explores four key areas. It explains how bacteria produce propanoic and lactic acids from sugar to cause tooth decay. It shows how fluoride ions convert hydroxyapatite into acid-resistant fluorapatite. It details dental amalgams containing mercury, silver, tin, and copper, alongside composite resins like Bis-GMA. Finally, it covers whitening using hydrogen and carbamide peroxide.

Today is #NationalToothacheDay 🦷 This edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social looks at some of the chemistry behind a visit to the dentist's 🪥 cen.acs.org/articles/94/...

#ChemSky 🧪

This "Chemistry of Frozen Desserts" infographic by Compound Interest explores the science behind various treats. It illustrates a fat droplet's structure and lists typical ice cream composition as 50% air bubbles, 30% ice crystals, 15% liquid syrup, and 5% fat droplets. A comparison table shows fat content and "overrun" (incorporated air) for ice cream (10–20% fat), gelato (3–8% fat), soft serve (3–10% fat), and frozen yogurt (0.5–3% fat). It also notes sorbet has 0% fat while sherbet has 1%.

On #NationalFrozenYoghurtDay, check out how froyo compares chemically to other frozen desserts in this edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social: cen.acs.org/articles/95/...

#ChemSky 🧪

Infographic detailing the chemistry behind four kitchen chemistry hacks. The first is slowing fruit browning. Fruits brown due to the oxidation and polymerization of phenols. Adding acids, such as lemon juice, wrapping the fruit in cling film or otherwise blocking oxygen slows browning by reducing the activity of the polyphenol oxidase enzyme.

Today is #NationalCornChipDay! The secret to a smooth nacho cheese sauce to accompany them is a compound with an appropriate chemical formula – one of four kitchen chemistry tricks highlighted in this edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social: cen.acs.org/food/food-sc...

Periodic Graphics: Aurora’s Colors Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning illuminates the science behind these dazzling light shows in the sky.

“ #PeriodicGraphics: Aurora’s Colors” — @cenmag.bsky.social

#AtmosphericChemistry #Aurora #NorthernLights #SothernLights

cendigitalmagazine.acs.org/2026/01/19/p...

This "How Different Light Bulbs Work" infographic compares incandescent, halogen, CFL, and LED bulbs. Incandescents last 1,000 hours at 15 lumens/watt. Halogens last 3,000 hours at 25 lumens/watt using halogen gas to redeposit tungsten. CFLs offer 10,000 hours and 60 lumens/watt via UV-excited phosphors. LEDs are the most efficient, lasting 25,000 hours at 80 lumens/watt using semiconductors. As longevity and efficiency increase from incandescent to LED, the cost per hour decreases significantly.

Thomas Edison’s patent for the incandescent light bulb was granted #OTD in 1880. This previous edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social examines the different types of lightbulbs and how they work 💡 cen.acs.org/materials/ph...

Infographic titled "What causes an aurora's colors?" It explains that solar wind particles follow Earth’s magnetic field to the poles, where they excite atmospheric atoms that emit light as they relax. Red light occurs above 150 miles from oxygen. Green light appears between 60 and 150 miles from oxygen. Blue and purple occur below 60 miles from nitrogen. Yellow and pink are color mixes. A map shows auroral zones expanding during solar storms.

Did you spot the aurora earlier this week?

This timely edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social looks at what causes the aurora and the science behind the different colours: cen.acs.org/environment/...

#Chemsky 🧪

This infographic explains the physics and chemistry of aurora phenomena. The first column shows how collisions between charged particles from the sun and molecules in Earth’s atmosphere cause the emission of light. The second column explains where people can see auroras, depending on solar activity. The third column explains the cause of the different colors seen in the auroras and how they depend on the altitude of the particle collisions.

The latest edition of #PeriodicGraphics by @compoundchem.com illuminates the science behind these dazzling light shows in the sky. cen.acs.org/environment/...

#chemsky 🧪

An infographic that discusses four key stages of cheese making: Acidification, which converts lactose in milk to lactic acid; coagulation, where casein proteins in milk clump together to form curds; the reduction of moisture content, where cutting, cooking, molding and pressing are used to promote the loss of whey; and maturation, during which flavors and textures develop.

How is cheese made, and what affects the type of cheese you end up with? For #NationalCheeseLovers Day, find out more in this edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social 🧀 cen.acs.org/food/food-sc...

#ChemSky 🧪

An infographic examining the chemical history of soda. The first half of the graphic highlights the different methods historically used to carbonate water. It starts with the production of carbon dioxide via the reaction of chalk and sulfuric acid. Today, a pressurized injection method is used. The second half of the graphic looks at interesting compounds historically found in some sodas, including cocaine in Coca-Cola and lithium citrate in 7Up.

The Pemberton Medicine Company, which would later become the Coca Cola company, was formally incorporated #OTD in 1889.

This previous edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social highlights unexpected substances our favourite sodas once contained: cen.acs.org/food/food-in...

#ChemSky 🧪

Infographic titled “Deicers & Antifreeze” explains how chemicals lower water’s freezing point via eutectic points. A vertical thermometer shows freezing points from 0 to −60 °C. Listed chemicals with formulas, concentrations, and minimum temperatures include urea (−11.9 °C), sodium chloride (−21 °C), calcium magnesium acetate (−27.5 °C), magnesium chloride (−33 °C), glycerol (−37.8 °C), ethylene glycol (−50 °C), calcium chloride (−51 °C), potassium acetate (−60 °C), and propylene glycol (−60 °C). Side panels describe road deicers, airplane deicers, and antifreeze uses, noting corrosion and toxicity concerns.

In winter weather we all know salt makes icy roads less slippery, but how does that work? This edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social explains and looks at the range of different deicers used: cen.acs.org/articles/93/...

#Chemsky 🧪

Infographic titled “What Are the Risks of Radon?” explaining sources, health effects, and detection of radon gas. It shows radon forming from uranium decay in soil and entering homes, especially basements. Health impacts include lung cancer risk, with statistics such as 1 in 15 U.S. homes having high radon and about 21,000 U.S. lung cancer deaths per year. Diagrams explain radioactive decay chains, indoor radon levels, and common detection methods including track detectors, activated carbon, electret chambers, and continuous monitors.

A prison closed after high levels of radon gas were detected is in the UK news today: www.theguardian.com/society/2026...

Where does radon come from and why is it dangerous? This edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social explains: cen.acs.org/environment/...

#ChemSky 🧪

Infographic titled “The Chemistry of Snow and Ice” explaining why snowflakes have six sides, why ice floats, and how ice affects atmospheric chemistry. Sections show snowflake formation via hydrogen bonding creating hexagonal crystals; types of snowflakes varying with temperature and humidity; a graph comparing ice and water density showing ice is less dense; Antarctic icy chemistry illustrating ozone-depleting reactions on ice crystals; and ice cores revealing past climate data from oxygen isotopes and carbon dioxide.

Icy weather is hitting here this week ❄️ If you've ever wondered why snowflakes are six-sided, why ice floats on water, and what ice cores can tell us about the past climate, then check out this edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social: cen.acs.org/environment/...

#ChemSky 🧪

Infographic "The Chemistry of Plant-Based Meat" explaining how alternatives replicate meat. Sources include legumes, grains, and fungi. Structure is achieved via high-moisture extrusion to create fibrous textures. Color comes from beet and purple carrot pigments or genetically engineered heme. Flavor is developed through the Maillard reaction (sugars + amino acids). Texture uses liquid plant oils and solid tropical fats to mimic animal fat mouthfeel and consistency.

If you’re doing #Veganuary this month, or even just aiming to eat less meat, you might try plant-based alternatives. How are these made and how does chemistry improve their appearance and flavour?

This edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social has the answers: cen.acs.org/food/food-sc...

Infographic titled “The science of weight-loss drugs” explaining how GLP-1 and GLP-1 receptor agonists work. Panels describe that GLP-1 is a hormone made in the pancreas, intestines, and brain stem, binding to receptors to suppress appetite, slow stomach emptying, and increase insulin release. Another section explains GLP-1 receptor agonists, their development from exendin-4 in 1992, FDA approvals in 2005 and 2017, and their medical uses for diabetes and obesity. Side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rare serious risks are listed.

Weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic hit the headlines in 2025 – and patents for these drugs expire in some countries in 2026.

In this edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social earlier this year, we looked at how these drugs work and their associated risks: cen.acs.org/biological-c...

Infographic titled “C&EN Most-read stories of 2025,” listing the top 10 Chemical & Engineering News articles as of Nov. 5, 2025. Items are numbered 1–10 with brief summaries and icons. #1 reports that 1 in 5 chemists admitted adding errors to papers to get published. #2 explains why lead was found in protein powders. #3 covers concerns over NIH policy changes and alleged “banned words.” #4 features expert predictions for the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. #5 highlights how chemists with disabilities solve problems and advocate for inclusion. #6 discusses underground hydrogen as a climate solution. #7 presents C&EN’s Global Top 50 chemical firms for 2025. #8 reports Ethiopia having the highest scientific paper retraction rate. #9 describes bacteria converting plastic waste into paracetamol. #10 covers a study retracted over genetics ethics concerns. Branding and credits appear at the bottom.

For the final #PeriodicGraphics of 2025, we look at @cenmag.bsky.social's most-read stories of 2025: from lead in protein shakes, through underground hydrogen reserves, to chemistry peer review concerns.

Find links to each of the individual stories here: cen.acs.org/policy/publi...

#ChemSky 🧪

Quiz: How much do you know about the chemistry of skunk spray? Test your knowledge of what makes the spray stink and how to combat the smell.

If you brushed up on stinky skunk science with the previous edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social, see how much you remember about the chemistry with this quiz!

For last-minute pre-test cramming, check the graphic here: cen.acs.org/biological-c...

Photo of an infographic in a magazine, titled “Scents of the Season” in C&EN. The infographic highlights some key chemical compounds found in characteristic Christmas scents including mulled wine, Christmas trees, roasting chestnuts and gingerbread

Eleven years since the very first edition of #PeriodicGraphics, highlighting the chemistry behind some of the scents of the Christmas season, appeared in @cenmag.bsky.social!

cen.acs.org/articles/92/...

Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning counts down C&EN’s top stories of the year

In the latest edition of #PeriodicGraphics, we take a look at C&EN’s top stories of the year: cen.acs.org/policy/publi...

#chemsky 🧪

Periodic Graphics: What makes skunk spray stink? Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning explains the stinky chemistry behind skunk spray and how to get rid of the smell

“ #PeriodicGraphics: What makes skunk spray stink?” — @cenmag.bsky.social

cendigitalmagazine.acs.org/2025/11/12/p...

Infographic titled “What makes skunk spray stink?” It explains that thiol compounds cause the odor. Earlier research misidentified 1-butanethiol, but two major thiols were later confirmed: (E)-2-butene-1-thiol (38–40% of volatiles) and 3-methyl-1-butanethiol (18–26%). It also notes the presence of thioacetates and quinolines. A central image shows a skunk. A section describes why the smell worsens with water: thioacetates convert to thiols when wet. Another section explains odor removal: tomato juice is ineffective; a mixture of 3% hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish detergent oxidizes thiols to odorless sulfonic acids. It also mentions pericosine A, a compound that forms odorless thioethers with thiols.

Why does skunk spray smell so bad, and what are some science-backed methods for removing the stench? The latest edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social takes a look: cen.acs.org/biological-c...

#ChemSky 🧪

This graphic describes the smelly chemicals in skunk spray and how to get rid of the stink. In the first column, the graphic describes the thiol compounds responsible for skunk spray’s smell. The second column explains why the smell persists because of a chemical reaction between some skunk spray compounds and water. The third column outlines chemistry-based methods for eliminating the stinky skunk compounds.

The latest edition of #PeriodicGraphics by @compoundchem.com explores the smelly chemicals in skunk spray and how to get rid of the stink. cen.acs.org/biological-c...

#chemsky 🧪

Periodic Graphics: Beyond flavor: Strange spice science Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning cooks up some examples of spices doing more than flavoring our food

“ #PeriodicGraphics: Beyond flavor: Strange #spice science” — @cenmag.bsky.social

#Pharmacology #MedicinalChemistry #Biochemistry 🧪

cendigitalmagazine.acs.org/2025/10/13/p...

Candy corn is a type of candy called a mallow cream. Manufacturers make candy corn by combining fondant with frappé (a marshmallow-like ingredient), coloring agents, and flavors. Machines deposit the mixture in layers into a mold formed from impressions in cornstarch. The cornstarch removes moisture from the candies as they dry. Manufacturers then put the dried candy corn into a metal tumbling pan and coat it in shellac wax for a shiny appearance.

Candy corn's colors come from food dyes. These include the azo dyes tartrazine (yellow 5) and sunset yellow (yellow 6). Erythrosine (red no. 3) is another dye that candy corn manufacturers often use. Manufacturers have also created alternative candy corn, which is colored with turmeric and β-carotene instead of synthetic dyes.

The chemistry of candy corn: This edition of #PeriodicGraphics explores the colorful chemistry behind this classic #Halloween candy. cen.acs.org/food/food-in... #chemsky 🧪

This graphic explains four examples of chemicals in spices having effects outside cooking. The four examples include a clove compound’s ability to treat toothaches, a nutmeg compound’s ability to cause hallucinations, a licorice extract compound’s ability to raise blood pressure, and a fenugreek compound’s ability to make urine and sweat smell like maple syrup.

#NationalChemistryWeek (NCW), celebrated October 19–25, features the theme “The Hidden Life of Spices,” highlighting the chemistry behind how spices create flavor, aroma, and color: www.acs.org/education/na...

#PeriodicGraphics: cen.acs.org/biological-c...

#ACS_NCW #SpiceChemistry

This graphic explains four examples of chemicals in spices having effects outside cooking. The four examples include a clove compound’s ability to treat toothaches, a nutmeg compound’s ability to cause hallucinations, a licorice extract compound’s ability to raise blood pressure, and a fenugreek compound’s ability to make urine and sweat smell like maple syrup.

In the latest edition of #PeriodicGraphics, we take a look at the ingredients doing more than spicing up our cooking: cen.acs.org/biological-c...

#chemsky 🧪

Periodic Graphics: Porphyria and the vampirism myth Chemical educator and Compound Interest blogger Andy Brunning pokes holes in the idea that the heme-related disorders inspired the concept of vampires.

“ #PeriodicGraphics: #Porphyria and the #vampirism myth” — @cenmag.bsky.social

#Chemistry #Biochemistry #SpookySeason #Vampire

cendigitalmagazine.acs.org/2024/10/24/p...