Applications of Chemistry in Daily Life

Humanity in its daily activities makes constant use of the world of chemistry, which is present in everything that surrounds us. The applications of chemistry include from the domestic to the industrial environment.

Is named Chemistry Application to the use of a certain Chemical element, Chemical compound me Chemical reaction to achieve an end or purpose.

The purposes pursued can be economic, comfort, well-being, technical or a mix of all.

Inorganic Substances and Organic Substances participate equally in daily tasks, solving many problems and improving the quality of life.

Examples of Applications of Chemistry

The applications of Chemistry in daily life will be classified according to the Substances involved, whether inorganic or organic.

Examples of Applications of Inorganic Substances

The Sodium Chloride (NaCl), also know as Table Salt or Common Salt, is used daily to intensify the flavors of food, giving them the quality of "salty".

The Sodium Sulfate (Na₂SW₄), also called Glauber's salt, is used as a diluent in powdered laundry detergents. It is one of the active ingredients, acting on the fibers of the fabric in conjunction with surfactants and flavorings to deliver a clean garment, separated from dirt particles.

The Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) It is a salt with many practical contributions, especially in the field of cleaning. It can be used as a clothing deodorizer, dental cleaner, stain remover, and is even applied in baking, acting as a substitute for yeast.

The Calcium Sulfate (CaSO₄), commercially known as Cast, it is used mixed with water, in a thick paste, to repair cracks in the walls of the home, making the surface uniform.

The Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH), whose common name is Caustic soda, it is used in diluted solution as a strong cleaning agent to remove grease stuck on stoves. It must be handled with care because it is corrosive and damages the skin, causing burns.

The Hydrochloric Acid (HCl), commercially known as Muriatic Acid being in dilute solution, it also serves as a strong Cleaning agent to effectively remove bacteria from the toilet and remove dirt residues of the bathroon.

The Phosphorus (P) It is present in the matches, which allow us to generate an initial fire to light the burners in the stove.

The Silver (Ag) It is used in colloidal form, as a food disinfectant, such as lettuce, strawberries, spinach, etc. It is normally marketed in the form of a dropper.

The Sodium Hypochlorite (NaClO) It is a powerful disinfectant, which can be used both for cleaning the toilet and for disinfecting food, immersed in water.

The Elemental sulfur (S) It is used in Vulcanizing processes, which is the repair of the rubber that forms automobile tires. Sulfur forms chains that adhere and alternate in the isoprene structure in rubber.

Examples of Applications of Organic Substances

The Ethyl Alcohol (C₂H₅OH) It is used as an antiseptic before treating a daily wound, such as a scrape or cut during a shave.

The Butyric Acid (C₃H₇COOH) It is one of the components of Butter, which is used in the preparation of a great variety of foods.

The Acetic Acid (CH₃COOH) it is present in vinegar, which is used in the preparation of salad dressings.

The Glycerin [C₃H₅(OH)₃] It is present as a moisturizing agent in facial and body creams, in toilet soaps.

The Triethanolamine (C₂H₄OH)₃N It is the pH regulating agent in hair gels, and is also used in other personal care items.

The Methane (CH₄) It is the simplest hydrocarbon, and thanks to its accessible heat, it is used as a domestic fuel. It is also called Natural gas.

The Propane (C₃H₈) It is the third simplest hydrocarbon, and is used as fuel, providing three times the heat of Methane per mole of gas. A mixture with Butane (C₄H₁₀) is called Gas L.P. o Liquefied Petroleum Gas.

The Polyurethane, a polymer, is used as a thermal insulator, thanks to its ability to expand when applied in small quantities. It reaches a lot of volume, and that allows to close the pores through which moisture or heat could leak.

The Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), a polymer, is used in the form of a film, to wrap and protect food. The process of wrapping food is called Emplayar.

The Polyethylene It's one of the polymers lighter and simpler, and is used to make the plastic bags in which grocery purchases are transported.

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