Chemistry is undervalued and under appreciated. To be sure, while the field doesn’t have the mass appeal it rightfully deserves, it does have a cadre of loyal enthusiasts and scholars who are dedicated to broadening their skill sets. From the rank amateur to the PhD-certified lab specialist, the world of chemistry is rife with talent, curiosity, and brass-tack ramifications that affect our daily lives. Far from the tranquil — albeit tense — world of the lab, reagent chemicals, nano technologies, and chemical compounds are at work for and against us.
What makes it possible for your favorite food to sit on the shelf of your local corner store for years at a time? You guessed it: chemicals. What about that particular flavor of cherry you enjoy in your cola? That’s right: chemicals. You didn’t think they actually used real oranges in your tube of Lifesavers, did you? Even so-called natural flavors enjoy a bit of chemical enhancement, you know, to drive home that signature taste.
What did Coke taste like when it was first introduced in 1886? How far from today’s flavor sensation was it? How can Coca Cola guarantee the freshness and taste of each can rolling off its assembly line? Well, dear reader, it’s a marvel of modern life: preservatives. And how is it that we derive these preservatives? They are chemical compounds derived from organic and synthetic sources.
Would a rose by any other name smell as sweet? That’s because the odors we’ve come to expect from perfumes, colognes, and personal hygiene products have been chemically perfected. While you will certainly find poems dedicated to the scent of woman or rose, seldom will you find an ode to reagent chemicals. That, from a scientific perspective, is a sad thing.
And so, in the end, our collective debt to chemistry is considerable. We haven’t even touched upon modern pharmaceuticals and medical compounds, like anti-bacterial ointments and vaccines. All of it is the result of dedicated chemists pushing their field to the limits of possibility. From men and women in white lab coats to your local grocery store, pharmacy, and drug store — chemicals are still making the world turn.
Should you be in the market for particularly pure reagent chemicals, be sure you following the links to a reputable, fully-accredited vendor.