Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics

@compoundchem

🧪 Infographics exploring everyday chemistry 📅 #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social 🥇 ACS 2025 Interpreting Chemistry for the Public award 🏆 ABSW 2018 Science Blog Award 🖊️ Posts by @andy.compoundchem.com 🌐 Website: compoundchem.com

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Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· 9d

It’s #NationalWatermelonDay 🍉 Here’s a look at the compounds behind watermelon colour and aroma, as well as the chemical cause of exploding watermelons in China in 2011: www.compoundchem.com/2015/06/09/w... #ChemSky 🧪

Infographic titled "Watermelon colour, aroma, and explosions" by Compound Interest. Red flesh color comes from lycopene. Aroma stems from fatty acid oxidation producing C6 and C9 aldehydes: (Z,Z)-3,6-nonadienal (watermelon odor) and (Z)-3-hexenal (grass odor). Exploding watermelons in Eastern China in 2011 were caused by overuse of the growth regulator forchlorfenuron during wet weather, which accelerates cell division and growth.

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· 16d

Wildfires are currently raging in several countries. This edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social looks at how chemistry helps fight them 🔥 cen.acs.org/environment/...

Infographic on suppressing wildfires with chemistry. The graphic looks at Phos-chek, a fire retardant which contains ammonium phosphates or sulfates as the active ingredient. The red colour comes from iron(III) oxide. While Phos-Chek only causes mild skin and eye irritation for humans, it’s hazardous to aquatic organisms. When applied in front of wildfires, Phos-Chek forms phosphate esters which form a protective char that slows wildfires’ spread.

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· 23d

Spain are the winners of the 2026 World Cup 🏆 Here's a look at how the materials that make up the shirts help them stand up to all the shirt-pulling and rough-housing in a typical Argentina match ⚽ #ChemSky 🧪

Infographic titled "The chemistry of football shirt materials" by Compound Interest features two jerseys alongside polymer structures. Polyester (Polyethylene terephthalate) forms durable, lightweight, water-wicking shirt fabric absorbing just 0.4% water. Elastane (spandex or lycra) adds elasticity and strength, enduring 600% elongation before rupturing, though it is less breathable. Polyurethane is thermally bonded to print player names, numbers, and sponsor logos onto the shirts.

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· 27d

On #NationalCherryDay, here’s a look at the chemistry behind cherries’ poisonous pits and the chemical differences between sweet and sour cherries 🍒 www.compoundchem.com/2016/07/21/c... #ChemSky 🧪

This Compound Interest infographic explains the chemistry behind sweet and sour cherries. Anthocyanins like cyanidin-3-o-rutinoside and cyanidin-3-glucosylrutinoside determine cherry color. Tartness results from malic acid, with sour cherries having a lower pH of 3.1–3.6 compared to 3.7–4.5 for sweet cherries. Furthermore, cherry pits contain amygdalin, which releases poisonous hydrogen cyanide when digested, with concentrations varying between cherry types.

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· Jul 13

If you've been enjoying the tennis at Wimbledon over the past two weeks, here's a look at the materials science that goes into every game, set and match 🎾 www.compoundchem.com/2026/07/13/t... #ChemSky 🧪

An infographic titled "The materials science of tennis" by Compound Interest explaining the chemistry of balls and rackets. Ball cores are vulcanized rubber (natural rubber crosslinked with sulfur) filled with pressurized nitrogen gas. The outer felt is wool and nylon, dyed yellow with a dye such as Basic Yellow 40. Rackets evolved from wood (which warped), to aluminium, then composites (fibreglass, Kevlar), and now carbon fibre with plastic resins. Strings transitioned from cow gut to polyester and nylon.

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· Jul 10

The men’s football World Cup has reached the quarter finals stage ⚽️ Wondering what the trophy the eventual winners lift is made of? This edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social takes a look! cen.acs.org/materials/in... #ChemSky 🧪

An infographic titled "What's the World Cup made of?" details two trophies. The Jules Rimet Trophy (1930–1970, stolen 1983) is 35 cm tall, weighs 3.8 kg, and is made of gold-plated silver on a blue lapis lazuli base. The FIFA World Cup Trophy (1974–present) is 36.8 cm tall, weighs 6.175 kg, and consists of hollow 18-karat gold with green malachite bands. If solid, it would weigh 70–80 kg. Winners receive replicas, and Nelson Mandela is the only individual to receive a full-sized replica.

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· Jun 29

Many of us are relying on the welcome chill of air con during historic heatwaves 🥵 Here's a look at the chemical compounds keeping us cool in @cenmag.bsky.social: cen.acs.org/articles/95/... #ChemSky🧪

Infographic titled "The Chemistry of Air Conditioning" detailing how AC systems work and the evolution of refrigerant compounds. A 4-step diagram shows refrigeration cycles: 1) Compressor pressurizes vapor, 2) Condenser vents warm air, 3) Expansion valve creates a cold mist, and 4) Evaporator cools passing air. Below, it compares "Current Refrigerants" (CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs) with their ozone depletion (ODP) and global warming potentials (GWP), and "The Next Generation" options like HFOs and CO2.

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· Jun 13

The 2026 World Cup has kicked off! This edition's ball has fewer polyurethane panels than previous World Cup balls. Learn more about the ball's materials chemistry in this graphic: wp.me/p4aPLT-8VK #ChemSky 🧪

Infographic titled "The chemistry of the World Cup ball" by Compound Interest. It details the materials used in manufacturing. Polyurethane coating forms the water-resistant outer panels, synthesized from isocyanate and polyol. A nylon lining (polyamide) adds bounce and strength between the cover and bladder. The inner butyl rubber bladder retains air effectively, though latex is an alternative.

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· Jun 8

Today is #WorldOceansDay, so here's a graphic which looks at the ocean acidification caused by rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and how this affects the ocean habitat 🌊 www.compoundchem.com/2017/01/18/o... #ChemSky 🧪

An infographic titled "Carbon Dioxide and Ocean Acidification" from Compound Interest details how rising carbon dioxide levels lower ocean pH. The first section, "The Basics," shows ocean pH dropping from 8.2 (pre-industrial) to 8.1 (2013) and a projected 7.7 by 2100. "The Chemistry" section uses chemical equations to illustrate CO2 reacting with water to form carbonic acid, which dissociates into hydrogen, bicarbonate, and carbonate ions. "The Effects" outlines risks: decreased shell formation for calcifying organisms, disrupted food webs and fishing economies, and impaired animal chemical signaling.

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· Jun 3

What gives smoked foods their flavour, and where do these flavour compounds come from? This edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social has the answers: cen.acs.org/articles/104...

An edition of Periodic Graphics titled "The chemistry of smoking foods" breaks down the chemical processes of food smoking. It contrasts direct smoking in a smokehouse with liquid smoke, noting liquid smoke has lower carbon emissions and fewer carcinogenic polyaromatic hydrocarbons. The graphic explains that wood pyrolysis at 300 to 700 degrees Celsius breaks down cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin to create flavors. Key flavor compounds include syringol and guaiacol derivatives. Finally, it notes that carbonyl compounds from smoke react with amino acids in food to cause Maillard browning, giving smoked food its characteristic brown color.

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· Jun 2

Summer thunderstorms are hitting here ⛈️ Whenever you see a flash of lightning, you’re seeing the trigger for atmospheric chemical reactions. Learn more in this graphic: www.compoundchem.com/2018/07/31/t... #ChemSky 🧪

An infographic from Compound Interest titled "The Science of Thunderstorms". The left column explains lightning formation, detailing how colliding ice crystals and falling soft hail separate charges, making the cloud top positive and the base negative, inducing a positive charge on the ground. The center shows a lightning strike photo and explains thunder: rapid heating to 30,000°C creates a shock wave traveling at ~343 m/s. The right column explains how strikes split oxygen to form ozone, excite nitrogen and hydrogen to create a blue-violet color, and bond oxygen with nitrogen to create nitrates that aid plant growth.

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· May 12

Dorothy Hodgkin, Nobel Prize winner and crystallography pioneer, was born #OTD in 1910. Using X-ray crystallography she determined the structures of complex molecules including vitamin B10 and insulin: www.compoundchem.com/2019/05/12/h... #ChemSky 🧪

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· Apr 20

Did you know magnolia petals are edible? I didn't until this year, and discovering that they are led me to this exploration of magnolia chemistry (and experiments in making magnolia gin). Learn more in the graphic here: www.compoundchem.com/2026/04/20/m... #ChemSky 🧪

An infographic titled "Magnolia molecules: perfume and medicines" details the plant's chemistry. Pink petals contain cyanidin and peonidin pigments. Aroma molecules include aldehydes like 2-nonenal and heptanal, and terpenes like alpha-pinene and linalool. Medicinal bark compounds include magnolol and honokiol, which have antioxidant properties. It also highlights yulanosides, unique phenylethanoid glycosides. Chemical structures for these compounds surround a central magnolia branch photo.

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· Apr 15

Researchers working on Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. The latest edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social looks at applications of MOFs, including water harvesting, gas storage, and more: cen.acs.org/materials/me... #ChemSky 🧪

This infographic, "MOFs: What are they good for?", defines Metal-Organic Frameworks as crystalline "molecular sponges" made of metal ions and organic linkers. It details four commercial applications: carbon capture using zinc-based CALF-20, safer gas storage for semiconductor manufacturing, harvesting atmospheric water in deserts using aluminum-based MOF-303, and the detoxification of chemical warfare agents. It notes that MOF research won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· Apr 14

On #NationalGardeningDay, here's a look at the chemistry behind why planting the tulips which are blooming at the moment might be hard on your hands: www.compoundchem.com/2018/04/25/t... 🌷 #ChemSky 🧪

An infographic titled 'The chemistry of tulips and tulip fingers' explains allergic contact dermatitis from tulips. It defines 'tulip fingers' as redness, eczema, or pustules from handling bulbs or flowers. Two chemical structures are presented: 6-tuliposide A and its breakdown product tulipalin A, which are identified as the skin-reaction triggers. Tulipalins are also stated to act as a defense against soil fungi. Below the text is a vibrant row of fresh red and yellow tulips with green leaves.

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· Apr 2

With #Artemis II blasting off to the Moon, here's a look at the different fuels used to get rockets off of the ground in this edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social: cen.acs.org/physical-che...

This "Fuels for Spacecraft" infographic explains how rockets launch and move through space. The left side covers "Getting Off the Ground," detailing solid propellants like ammonium perchlorate and aluminum powder used in boosters, and liquid propellants like liquid oxygen and hydrogen used in main engines. The right side explores "Propulsion in Space," highlighting chemical propulsion via hydrazine decomposition, electric ion propulsion using xenon, and solar sails.

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· Mar 31

Robert Bunsen was born #OTD in 1811 🎂 The eponymous Bunsen burner was actually constructed for Bunsen by instrument maker Peter Desaga. The burner was essential to the discovery of caesium and rubidium through their emission spectra. www.compoundchem.com/2023/03/31/b...

"Today in Chemistry History" commemorating Robert Bunsen’s birthday on March 31. It features a portrait of Bunsen (1811–1899) and notes his discovery of caesium and rubidium. A central diagram labels the parts of a Bunsen burner: the blue flame, the barrel, the fuel source (methane), the collar for air adjustment, and the air hole. It explains that a closed collar creates a yellow safety flame, while an open collar produces a hot, blue roaring flame for heating.

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· Mar 26

On #NationalSpinachDay, this graphic looks at the real story behind spinach’s iron content: www.compoundchem.com/2018/07/17/s... #ChemSky 🧪

An infographic titled "The Chemistry of Spinach" explores iron content, vitamin A, and the "spinach teeth" sensation. It compares spinach to sirloin steak, noting that while spinach has more iron (2.6mg vs 2.5mg per 100g), only 1.7% is absorbed compared to 20% from steak. Low absorption is attributed to polyphenols. It highlights spinach as a source of beta-carotene and explains that "spinach teeth" are caused by oxalic acid reacting with calcium to form insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· Mar 23

Today is #NationalPuppyDay 🐶 If you’ve ever wondered why wet dogs smell so funky, learn about the biochemistry behind it in this graphic! www.compoundchem.com/2015/07/28/w...

This "Aroma Chemistry" infographic explains why wet dogs smell. It features an image of a terrier and diagrams showing that microorganisms in dog hair produce volatile organic compounds, which water then liberates into the air. The graphic identifies ten specific compounds that increase in concentration when hair is wet, including benzaldehyde (almond-like), p-cresol (faecal), and dimethyl trisulfide (sulfurous). Conversely, it notes that hexanal and heptanal concentrations decrease when wet.

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· Mar 20

Spring is here in the northern hemisphere! Here's a graphic from the #PeriodicGraphic archives in @cenmag.bsky.social looking at the pigments that give daffodils their golden glow: cen.acs.org/articles/93/... #ChemSky 🧪

An infographic titled "The Chemistry of Daffodils" by Compound Interest for C&EN explains the flower's biological makeup. It features a bouquet of yellow daffodils and three main sections. The Aroma section highlights (E)-beta-ocimene for its woody scent, plus 1,4-dimethoxybenzene and (E,E)-alpha-farnesene. The Color section identifies carotenoids like zeaxanthin and beta-carotene. The Poison & Medicine section shows the toxic alkaloid lycorine and galantamine, used to treat Alzheimer's.

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· Mar 18

How are plastics recycled and how do the recycling rates of different plastics compare? This 2012 edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social takes a look: cen.acs.org/environment/...

Infographic on how plastic is recycled. The graphic shows the mass of different plastic types produced in kilograms and the percentage of this mass that is recycled according to the US EPA. It also illustrates how plastics are sorted by type with a variety of techniques before washing, separation from contaminants, then drying and pelletisation.

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· Mar 17

Happy #StPatricksDay! ☘️ If you’ve ever wondered why the bubbles in Guinness appear to fall instead on rising, or what gives the beer its dark colour, check out this edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social: cen.acs.org/articles/93/...

Infographic on the chemistry of Guinness. It details how a mix of carbon dioxide and nitrogen is responsible for the bubbles, iso-alpha-acids are responsible for bitterness, and melanoidins are responsible for the beer's dark colour.

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· Mar 11

It's #NationalProposalDay 💍 There's more to diamonds than meets the eye; this graphic highlights the hidden chemistry: www.compoundchem.com/2015/12/15/d...

Infographic on the chemistry of diamond rings. The four c's of diamonds are highlight: cut, colour, clarity and carat. Metals used in diamond rings are also highlighted.

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· Mar 8

Every single year

Photo of a comment which reads “You must be kidding! So, Maria Curie-Sklodowska being twice the Nobel Prize winner does not qualify?”

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· Mar 8

On #InternationalWomensDay, here's another edition of Women in Chemistry History. This edition features women whose achievements in chemistry include the creation of synthetic emeralds, the impact of diet on intelligence and health, and more: www.compoundchem.com/2026/03/08/i... #ChemSky 🧪

Infographic highlighting the contributions of twelve women in chemistry history. Full alt-text available at the link in the post.

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· Mar 3

It's #NationalMulledWineDay (no, I don't know why it's in March of all months), so here's a look at some of the key chemicals in this warming drink's components: www.compoundchem.com/2014/12/16/m... #ChemSky 🧪

An infographic titled "The Chemistry of Mulled Wine" explores key chemical compounds in holiday ingredients. It features a central wine bottle surrounded by seven panels. Each panel identifies an ingredient, a key chemical, a molecular structure, and a brief description. Featured pairings include: orange (limonene), lemon (citric acid), sugar (sucrose), wine (ethanol), cloves (eugenol), nutmeg (sabinene), and cinnamon (cinnamaldehyde) for aroma and flavour profiles.

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· Mar 2

It’s spring in the northern hemisphere and the crocuses are blooming. Find out more about their colours and poisonous lookalikes in this graphic: www.compoundchem.com/2022/03/15/c... #ChemSky 🧪

This infographic titled "Crocuses, Saffron & Poisonous Imposters" explores the chemistry and botany of crocuses. It explains that saffron comes from Crocus sativus, which contains the deep red pigment crocin. While yellow petals contain carotenoids, purple petals contain anthocyanins like delphinidin. It warns that Colchicum autumnale, also called "autumn crocus," is a toxic lookalike containing colchicine, a dangerous alkaloid that can cause organ failure but is also used to treat gout.

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· Mar 1

Henri Becquerel discovered radioactivity #OTD in 1896, and later shared the Nobel Prize in Physics with Pierre and Marie Curie for the discovery. See more chemistry history graphics here: www.compoundchem.com/this-day-in-... #ChemSky 🧪

Today in Chemistry History infographic on Henri Becquerel and the discovery of radioactivity. In late February 1896, Henri Becquerel was experimenting with phosphorescent uranium salt crystals which glow for a time after exposure to sunlight. He placed the crystals on photographic paper, and saw that a black shadow was visible where the crystals were when the paper was developed. He initially thought the crystals were emitting X-rays when exposed to sunlight. However, on leaving the crystals on the paper in a dark cupboard during overcast days, he found shadows were still visible on the developed paper, and that the process was independent of sunlight. Marie Curie coined the term “radiation” in 1898.

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· Feb 24

#OTD in 1981, German scientists observed the first atom of element 107, bohrium, in Darmstadt, Germany. Bohrium is named after physicist Niels Bohr, who developed the Bohr model of the atom. Bohrium's most stable isotope has a half-life of around a minute, so it has no uses outside of research.

Infographic for element 107, Bohrium, symbol Bh, atomic number 107 and mass 270. The element was named after physicist Niels Bohr and created by German scientists. Bohrium was the first element made by colliding two nuclei in a low-excitation energy reaction. Its longest-lived isotope has a half-life of about one minute. Bohrium has no uses outside of research.

Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics@compoundchem· Feb 22

As the Winter Olympics draw to a close, what are the medals that the top athletes will be taking home made of? This graphic takes a look and also highlights the values of each medal: www.compoundchem.com/2026/02/22/w... #ChemSky 🧪