The 100 Most Important Chemical Compounds: A Reference Guide

Richard L. Myers

Aug 2007 · ABC-CLIO

About this ebook

What is a chemical compound? Compounds are substances that are two or more elements combined together chemically in a standard proportion by weight. Compounds are all around us - they include familiar things, such as water, and more esoteric substances, such as triuranium octaoxide, the most commonly occurring natural source for uranium. This reference guide gives us a tour of 100 of the most important, common, unusual, and intriguing compounds known to science. Each entry gives an extensive explanation of the composition, molecular formula, and chemical properties of the compound. In addition, each entry reviews the relevant chemistry, history, and uses of the compound, with discussions of the origin of the compound's name, the discovery or first synthesis of the compound, production statistics, and uses of the compound.

The reference guide includes a glossary, a guide to further reading, and numerous chemical illustrations to help illuminate the text.

About the author

Richard L. Myers is Professor of Environmental Science at Alaska Pacific University. He has taught chemistry, oceanography, meteorology, and physics classes and conducted research on urban environmental issues. His work has appeared in the Journal of Environmental Health,The Northern Engineer, Journal of Chemical Education, and Journal of College Science Teaching. His teaching awards include the Carnegie Foundation Alaska Professor of the Year, Higher Education Award from the United Methodist Church, President's Forum Teaching Award, and Ohaus Award for Innovations in College Science Teaching. teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in chemistry, statistics, and environmental science. Dr. Myers' published research includes work on air quality, water quality, science education, and science and the humanities.