Molecules Around Me Project
Product 1: Multi-Vitamin
Compound 1: Cyanocobalamin Organic Chemical Formula: C63H88CoN14O14P  Summary: Cyanocobalamin is a man-made form of the vitamin B-12. Like B-12, the substance helps the body to use carbohydrates and other organic molecules to create energy. With the energy produced from the digestion of these molecules, processes like protein building are able to occur. Although the substance cannot be made within living organisms, animals are able to convert the chemical into various forms of vitamin B-12. Since the compound can be converted into other forms, it is used in a variety of supplements to give added B-12 to a diet. |  |
 | Compound 2: Polyethylene Glycol Organic Chemical Formula: H(OCH2CH2)nOH, Summary: Polyethylene Glycol is a chemical compound made from ethylene glycol and serves many purposes. It is most commonly used antifreeze, but is also found in skin creams, lubricants, and as a food additive to prevent foaming. |
Compound 3: Niacinamide Organic Chemical Formula: C6H6N2O Summary: Niacinamide is a supplement that can be taken to improve niacin (vitamin B3) levels. The compound also has several uses for. The first is in skin care products to serve as a anti-inflammatory agent. The chemical is also used to treat high cholesterol and diabetes. |  |
 | Compound 4: Potassium Iodide Inorganic Chemical Formula: KI Summary: Potassium Iodide is a white salt and is one of the most used iodide compounds. It is often used in disinfectants and products for hair treatment. The substance is used largely as a food supplement for humans, as well as several other animals. To prevent iodine deficiency, the compound is added to table salt. Another use of this product is in thyroid protection. |
Compound 5: Stannous Chloride Organic Chemical Formula: SnCl2 Summary: Stannous Chloride ( also known as Sn (II) Chloride) is a chemical that is often found dissolved in water. The chemical is also known for being a reducing agent in a variety of chemical reactions. It is used to prepare the tin-plating for tin cans, reducing certain radioactive materials and being an indicator for precious metals. Its used within food supplements is to serve as an antioxidant |  |
Product 2: Shampoo
 |  Summary: Amyl Cinnamal is a liquid compound that smells similar to jasmine and is usually man-made. Because of this property, it is often used in shampoos, bath products, and soaps. The compound has also been approved to be used in foods. The chemical compound is usually used to created a certain scent for products |
Compound 2: Tocopheryl Acetate Organic Chemical Formula: C31H52O3 Summary: Tocopheryl Acetate, also known as Vitamin E, is commonly used as a vitamin supplement. It is also used in a variety of dermatological products such as skin creams and provides some protection from ultraviolet rays. The compound is used often because is less acidic and has a longer shelf-life. |  |
 | Compound 3: Biotin Organic Chemical Formula: C10H16N2O3S Summary: Biotin is a form of a B vitamin, B7, and is necessary to growth of cells. It assists with several reactions that carry out daily processes. It is also used as a supplement to strengthen hair and nails. Due to this property, the compound is often found in shampoos and conditioners. |
Compound 4: Propylene Glycol Organic Chemical Formula: C3H8O2 Summary: Propylene Glycol is a clear, colorless liquid that is often used as a preservative for tobacco products. It is also used a solvent in pharmaceutical products including oral intakes and skin products. Like other glycols, the compound can reduce the freezing point of water. Due to this property, propylene glycol is often used as an antifreeze for vehicles. The compound is also helpful in the clean up of oil spills. |  |
 | Compound 5: Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate Organic Chemical Formula: C14H33NO5S Summary: Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate is used in a variety of cleaning solutions because of its ability to break down the hydrogen bonds that occur in water. It is also added to products as a foaming agent. Other products in which the compound is found in include shampoos, hair dyes, and skin creams. |
Product 3: Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream
Compound 1: Glyceryl Polymethacrylate Organic Chemical Formula: C21H42O4  Summary: Glyceryl Polymethacrylate is commonly used in skin care products because it is able to re-hydrate the skin. It also creates a film when applied to certain substances. It is also used as an anti-aging cream and shampoos. Because it has no scent or color, it is used to make white, odorless compounds. |  |
 | Organic Chemical Formula: C8H24O2Si3 Summary: Dimethicone is a silicone oil that is often used in skin care products. This is because of its ability to re-hydrate the skin. The compound is also used in eye contacts and other medical devices. In shampoo, it is used to make hair have a shiny appearance. It is also used in food as an anti-foaming agent, as well as in caulking, lubricating oils, and heat-resistant tiles. |
Compound 3: Phenoxyethanol Organic Chemical Formula: C8H10O2 Summary: Phenoxyethanol is often used in dermatological products such as skin creams and sunscreens due to it being colorless and oily. Besides skin products, it is used in perfumes, bug sprays, dyes, preservatives, and medicine. Because the compound is easy to dissolve in water, the compound is used in a variety of products. |  |
 | Compound 4: Glyceryl Stearate Organic Chemical Formula: Summary: Glyceryl Stearate is a white, wax-like solid. The compound is commonly found in lotions, creams, and makeup. It is used in skin products because of its lubricating properties. It is also a food additive that can preserve, thicken, or combine compounds. In ice cream and whipped cream, glyceryl stearate helps to give them their creamy textures. |
Compound 5: Cetyl Alcohol Organic Chemical Formula: C16H34O Summary: The name of cetyl alcohol comes from whale oil, in which the compound was first found. It it commonly used to take away the form of waxy, white solids or flakes. It is most commonly used in shampoos and a thickening agent in skin creams. |  |
Reflection:
In doing this project, I learned more about the substances that I used in everyday life. Several of the compounds had several uses that could be used, not only for medicinal purposes, but as food supplements. It was interesting how a lotion contained some of the same molecules that were found in a vitamin pill. The project also helped me to see how complicated and large certain molecules can be. While some of the some of the compounds contained two atoms, others contained over one hundred atoms. It also helped me to see how the shape of a molecule can change the function of the compound. I saw how compounds that formed chains of atoms often formed an oil that was used to lubricate or improve the performance of a product. I also saw most the compounds in the products are necessary for that product to form its function and that not all of the molecules in a product are added for no reason. Overall, I thought this project was helpful to help me see how chemicals affect my everyday life.
