Definition and terms (M3-M5)

Benzene

A fuel additive sometimes used to make gasoline burn more efficiently.

Polyethylene

Sold under the trade name of Tyvek which is used to wrap the concrete foundation of newly built homes serves as water barrier.

Tristearin

A major component of animal fat.

Lycopene

The red pigment in tomatoes and watermelons. It is an antioxidant, a compound that prevents unwanted oxidation from occuring.

Tamoxifen

Is used in the treatment of breast cancers that require estrogen for growth.

Ethynylestradiol

Commonly used birth control drug, synthetic estrogen.

Norethindrone

Commonly used birth control drug, synthetic progesterone.

Formaldehyde

Starting material for synthesis of resins and plastics, sold as formalin a 37% aqueous solution used to preserve biological specimens.

Acetone

An industrial solvent and a starting material for organic polymers. It is produced in the breakdown of fatty acids, and found in diabetic patients.

Cinnamaldehyde

Major component of cinnamon bark.

Vanillin

Primary component of the extract of vanilla bean.

Citral

Odor of lemon grass, used in perfumery and synthesis of vitamin A.

Citronellal

Odor of citronella candles used to repel mosquitoes.

Formic acid

Responsible for the sting of some types of ants.

Acetic acid

Is the sour tasting component of vinegar, it can be made by air oxidation of ethanol when wine “goes bad”.

Hexanoic acid

Has the foul odor of dirty socks and locker rooms.

a-hydroxy acids

Present in skin care products that work by removing the outer, older layer of skin cells revealing the healthier skin.

Ethyl butanoate

From mangoes

Methyl salicylate

From the oil of wintergreen

Melatonin

Induce sleep

Benzocaine

Is the active ingredient in topical anesthetics.

Acetaminophen

Is a pain reliever in tylenol.

Saponification

Ester hydrolysis using an aqueous base.

Olestra

The “fake fat” invented to replace some triacylglycerols in snack foods.

Nylon

Is a condensation polymer formed when two monomers come together, releasing water.

Piperidine

A compound in black pepper.

Coniine

The poisonous component of hemlock.

Caffeine

Is a mild stimulant, increasing the heart rate and signaling for glucose production so a person feels energetic. It is a bitter tasting amine found in coffee, tea, soft drinks and chocolate.

Nicotine

Is a highly toxic amine isolated from tobacco, which acts as a stimulant in small doses.

Morphine

It is very addictive and is obtained from the opium poppy, and has been used as a pain reliever for centuries.

Codeine

Also present in opium poppy but in smaller amounts, it is used for less severe pain.

Heroin

Very addictive illegal drug that is made from morphine. It is less polar than morphine making it more soluble in the body’s fat cells. 2 to 3 times more potent than morphine in producing euphoria and pain relief.

Quinine

Is isolated from the bark of the cinchona tree native to the Andres mountains. A powerful antipyretic (fever reducer) used to treat malaria.

Atropine

Isolated from deadly nightshade plant and is used by women in the renaissance to enlarge the pupils of their eyes.

Norepinephrine

When levels increase a person feels elated, and then manic if levels go too high. It is converted to adrenaline when a person experiences fear or stress.

Dopamine

Affects the brain processes that control movement, emotions, and pleasure. Patients with Parkinson’s disease have decreased levels of this neurotransmitter in the body.

Serotonin

Is important in mood, sleep, perception, and temperature regulation. Deficiency of this neurotransmitter causes depression.

Hormone

Is a compound produced by an endocrine gland, which travels through the blood-stream to a target tissue or organ.

Epinephrine

Is a hormone made from norepinephrine.

Allegra (Fexophenodine)

A newer antihistamine which does not cause drowsiness.