Whether we like it or not, chemistry is a part of our daily lives. The products of chemistry (compounds and reactions) can be found in everything from toothpaste, to antibacterial hand soap, to gas, to even some processes in our body. Without chemistry, or the chemical compounds that scientists have been working to create and perfect, the world would not have plastics, pharmaceuticals, or daily hygiene items. While looking at a generic bottle of ibuprofen, I noticed about a dozen chemical compounds on the back; I decided to take a closer look at three of them.
Hypromellose (aka Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose)- This compound is used in a wide variety of items including cosmetics, paint, and cement. Currently, research is being conducted to see if hypromellose can be used to replace gluten in breads.
CH2CH(OH)CH3
Polyethylene Glycol- This is used mainly in medications because it causes medicines to last longer and reduces the toxicity of the drug. It is also used as the basis of many skin creams. Research being done on this compound includes using it in gene therapy.
C2NH4N + 2ON+1
Titanium Dioxide- The main use of this compound is for light refraction. It is used in lines on tennis courts, materials to build space shuttles, and in all sunscreen- and in all cases to redirect the light.
TiO2
All of the chemicals listed are not only found in ibuprofen, they are also found in many other items. Most compounds are versatile- they have many uses in very different places. It is this versatility that makes chemical compounds essential in manufacturing the things we frequently use today.
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