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Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics
@compoundchem.com
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🧪 Infographics exploring everyday chemistry
📅 #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social
🥇 ACS 2025 Interpreting Chemistry for the Public award
🏆 ABSW 2018 Science Blog Award
🖊️ Posts by @andy.compoundchem.com
🌐 Website: compoundchem.com
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compoundchem.com
Today is #WorldPulsesDay and kidney beans feature in this edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social on toxins in common fruits and vegetables - did you know that uncooked kidney beans contain a toxin that can cause nausea and diarrhoea? cen.acs.org/biological-c...

#ChemSky 🧪
This five-panel infographic looks at various naturally occurring toxins found in some vegetables. The first panel discusses solanine, a compound found in green potatoes that can cause gastrointestinal upset. The second panel features cucurbitacins, bitter compounds found in gourds such as pumpkins and zucchini; high amounts of these compounds cause vomiting and diarrhea. The third panel features furanocoumarins, which are found in parsnips and celery leaves and can cause phytophotodermatitis when in contact with the skin. The fourth panel looks at oxalic acid and anthraquinone glycosides, compounds that are found in rhubarb leaves and that make them toxic if eaten. The final panel features phytohemagglutinin, a protein found in high levels in uncooked kidney beans that, when eaten in high amounts, causes vomiting and diarrhea.
February 10, 2026 at 12:37 PM
compoundchem.com
Today is #NationalToothacheDay 🦷 This edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social looks at some of the chemistry behind a visit to the dentist's 🪥 cen.acs.org/articles/94/...

#ChemSky 🧪
This infographic titled "The Chemistry of Dentistry" explores four key areas. It explains how bacteria produce propanoic and lactic acids from sugar to cause tooth decay. It shows how fluoride ions convert hydroxyapatite into acid-resistant fluorapatite. It details dental amalgams containing mercury, silver, tin, and copper, alongside composite resins like Bis-GMA. Finally, it covers whitening using hydrogen and carbamide peroxide.
February 9, 2026 at 9:01 PM
compoundchem.com
Dmitri Mendeleev was born #OTD (8 Feb) in 1834. He's known for recognising periodic patterns in the properties of elements, using these to predict the properties of undiscovered elements. And, of course, the periodic table! wp.me/p4aPLT-8UU

#ChemSky 🧪
"Today in Chemistry History" infographic marking Dmitri Mendeleev's birthday (8 Feb 1834). The graphic highlights the date of publication of Mendeleev's first periodic table (1869) and shows the elements that were known at that time and included in the table. It also shows the elements which had yet to be discovered which Mendeleev used his table to predict the properties of.
February 8, 2026 at 9:50 PM
compoundchem.com
On #NationalFrozenYoghurtDay, check out how froyo compares chemically to other frozen desserts in this edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social: cen.acs.org/articles/95/...

#ChemSky 🧪
This "Chemistry of Frozen Desserts" infographic by Compound Interest explores the science behind various treats. It illustrates a fat droplet's structure and lists typical ice cream composition as 50% air bubbles, 30% ice crystals, 15% liquid syrup, and 5% fat droplets. A comparison table shows fat content and "overrun" (incorporated air) for ice cream (10–20% fat), gelato (3–8% fat), soft serve (3–10% fat), and frozen yogurt (0.5–3% fat). It also notes sorbet has 0% fat while sherbet has 1%.
February 6, 2026 at 10:19 PM
compoundchem.com
Today is #NationalFartDay 💨 Here's a look at some of the goaty, cabbagey and pungent compounds behind various body odours: www.compoundchem.com/2014/04/07/t... 🧪
An infographic titled "The Chemistry of Body Odours" illustrates the chemical compounds responsible for four common smells. It features a central human silhouette with lines pointing to the mouth (Halitosis), armpit (Underarm Odour), digestive system (Flatulence), and feet (Foot Odour). Each section provides chemical structures, names, and scent descriptions, such as hydrogen sulfide smelling like rotting eggs in halitosis and isovaleric acid smelling cheesy or rancid in foot odour.
February 5, 2026 at 8:30 PM
compoundchem.com
It’s #WorldCancerDay! 🎗️ Antibody-drug conjugates are so-called "magic bullet" medicines that target cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. This graphic looks at how they work, their history, and their future: www.compoundchem.com/2026/02/04/a...

#ChemSky 🧪
February 4, 2026 at 4:43 PM
compoundchem.com
Sticking with yesterday’s fruity theme, February is also #NationalCherryMonth 🍒

Here’s a look at how the chemistry of sweet and sour cherries differs: www.compoundchem.com/2016/07/21/c...

#ChemSky 🧪
This infographic titled "The chemistry of sweet and sour cherries" breaks down cherry composition. It explains that anthocyanins like cyanidin-3-o-rutinoside provide color, with sour cherries having higher concentrations. It highlights malic acid as the source of tartness, noting sour cherries have a lower pH (3.1–3.6) than sweet ones (3.7–4.5). Amygdalin in seeds releases hydrogen cyanide during digestion, noting higher cyanide levels in red vs. black cherries.
February 3, 2026 at 12:29 PM
compoundchem.com
February is #NationalGrapefruitMonth – did you know that grapefruit and grapefruit juice can affect some medications? This graphic explains why: www.compoundchem.com/2014/03/07/w...

#ChemSky 🧪
Infographic on the chemistry of grapefruit. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice interact with a large number of drugs, usually resulting in adverse effects. These interactions are caused by a class of compounds called furanocoumarins, in particular the compounds bergamottin and dihydroxybergamottin. Furanocoumarins inhibit some forms of an enzyme, CYP3A4, responsible for breaking down drugs in the body. As the prescribed doses of drugs take into account how quickly the drug is broken down in the body, this can cause higher concentrations of the drug in the bloodstream, which in turn can result in unpleasant side effects. The colour of pink and red grapefruits is caused by the compound lycopene.
February 2, 2026 at 4:02 PM
compoundchem.com
Akira Yoshino, joint winner of the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was born #OTD in 1948. His work and that of the other laureates led to the commercial lithium-ion batteries used in phones and other devices today: www.compoundchem.com/2019/10/09/2...

#ChemSky 🧪
This infographic titled "2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry" explains the development of lithium-ion batteries by laureates John B. Goodenough, M. Stanley Whittingham, and Akira Yoshino. It features diagrams showing how lithium ions move between electrodes during charge and discharge. A timeline shows the evolution from Whittingham’s battery (1970s) to Goodenough’s cobalt oxide version (1980s), and finally Yoshino’s safe commercial design using petroleum coke instead of lithium metal (1991).
January 30, 2026 at 8:55 PM
compoundchem.com
Today is #NationalCornChipDay! The secret to a smooth nacho cheese sauce to accompany them is a compound with an appropriate chemical formula – one of four kitchen chemistry tricks highlighted in this edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social: cen.acs.org/food/food-sc...
Infographic detailing the chemistry behind four kitchen chemistry hacks. The first is slowing fruit browning. Fruits brown due to the oxidation and polymerization of phenols. Adding acids, such as lemon juice, wrapping the fruit in cling film or otherwise blocking oxygen slows browning by reducing the activity of the polyphenol oxidase enzyme.
January 29, 2026 at 9:24 PM
compoundchem.com
Today is #InternationalLegoDay! Here's a look at how the chemical make-up of the bricks has changed over the years, and some of the changes being made to make the plastic bricks more sustainable: www.compoundchem.com/2018/04/09/l...

#ChemSky 🧪
Infographic on what Lego bricks are made from. Present-day Lego is made from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Dyes are added for colour. Polycarbonate polymers are used for transparent Lego parts. For leaves, bushes and trees Lego now uses polyethene derived from sugar cane.
January 28, 2026 at 4:43 PM
compoundchem.com
A few people correctly pointing out that, in the eight years since this was published in @cenmag.bsky.social, LEDs have continued to improve, and are now commonly up to 200 lumens/watt
compoundchem.com Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics @compoundchem.com · 14d
Thomas Edison’s patent for the incandescent light bulb was granted #OTD in 1880. This previous edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social examines the different types of lightbulbs and how they work 💡 cen.acs.org/materials/ph...
This "How Different Light Bulbs Work" infographic compares incandescent, halogen, CFL, and LED bulbs. Incandescents last 1,000 hours at 15 lumens/watt. Halogens last 3,000 hours at 25 lumens/watt using halogen gas to redeposit tungsten. CFLs offer 10,000 hours and 60 lumens/watt via UV-excited phosphors. LEDs are the most efficient, lasting 25,000 hours at 80 lumens/watt using semiconductors. As longevity and efficiency increase from incandescent to LED, the cost per hour decreases significantly.
January 27, 2026 at 8:38 AM
compoundchem.com
Thomas Edison’s patent for the incandescent light bulb was granted #OTD in 1880. This previous edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social examines the different types of lightbulbs and how they work 💡 cen.acs.org/materials/ph...
This "How Different Light Bulbs Work" infographic compares incandescent, halogen, CFL, and LED bulbs. Incandescents last 1,000 hours at 15 lumens/watt. Halogens last 3,000 hours at 25 lumens/watt using halogen gas to redeposit tungsten. CFLs offer 10,000 hours and 60 lumens/watt via UV-excited phosphors. LEDs are the most efficient, lasting 25,000 hours at 80 lumens/watt using semiconductors. As longevity and efficiency increase from incandescent to LED, the cost per hour decreases significantly.
January 27, 2026 at 8:11 AM
compoundchem.com
Asbestos is in the news after traces of tremolite asbestos were found in some brands of play sand: www.theguardian.com/business/202...

This graphic covers asbestos health concerns: www.compoundchem.com/2018/08/14/a...
An infographic titled "Chemical Concerns: Asbestos" explains that asbestos, including chrysotile, is a group of fibrous, heat-resistant minerals. Historically used in insulation, tiles, and brake pads, it is now banned in 55+ countries because inhalation causes asbestosis and cancer. It accounts for 107,000 deaths annually and 4% of lung cancer cases, with a latency period of up to 40 years. Despite these risks, 2 million tons are still mined each year.
January 26, 2026 at 5:16 PM
compoundchem.com
Planning on enjoying a dram of whisky for #BurnsNight? Here's a look at the compounds behind the varying smoky and fruity flavours: www.compoundchem.com/2015/03/31/w...

#ChemSky 🧪
An infographic titled "The Chemistry of Whisky" details the production process and the chemical compounds responsible for flavor. The top section illustrates a six-step journey starting with preparation, where dried barley is ground and husks removed. This is followed by mashing to dissolve sugars, fermenting with yeast to create alcohol, and distilling to increase purity. The spirit then undergoes ageing in oak casks for several years before finally reaching the Bottling stage for consumption. The lower sections identify specific molecules that influence the palate. Whisky lactones from oak barrels provide woody and coconut flavors. Phenolic compounds like guaiacol and eugenol contribute smoky and medicinal notes. Aldehydes such as vanillin and syringaldehyde add vanilla and spicy aromas. Esters like ethyl hexanoate and isoamyl acetate create fruity scents resembling apples and bananas. Finally, other compounds like phenethyl alcohol add floral notes, while diacetyl provides a buttery taste.
January 25, 2026 at 3:33 PM
compoundchem.com
Shiny new birthday present to play with. Expect a graphic on the chemistry of 3D printing soon (as well as chemistry-themed 3D prints once the kids have tired of Pokémon ones)
Photo of a Elegoo Centauri Carbon 3D printer
January 24, 2026 at 10:01 PM
compoundchem.com
Gertrude Elion, joint winner of the 1988 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, was born #OTD in 1918. During her career she developed multiple life-saving drugs 💊 www.compoundchem.com/2018/01/23/e...

#ChemSky 🧪
“Today in Chemistry History” infographic highlighting Gertrude B. Elion. Elion was jointly awarded the 1988 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for work on the development of a number of medicines. The graphic lists drugs she helped develop with chemical structures: mercaptopurine (leukemia), azathioprine (transplant rejection), trimethoprim (antibiotic), allopurinol (gout), aciclovir (antiviral), pyrimethamine (malaria, toxoplasmosis), and nelarabine (cancer).
January 23, 2026 at 8:30 AM
Reposted by Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics
refrag.bsky.social
Vintage fountain pen tips might used the related metals iridium and osmium as well. It's my understanding that these elements occur naturally intermingled as alloys and are hard to separate, so they weren't, when applied to nibs, at least in the past.

www.richardspens.com/ref/gloss/T....
compoundchem.com Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics @compoundchem.com · 19d
Chemist Karl Ernst Claus was born #OTD in 1796. Klaus discovered the element ruthenium in 1844, naming it after the Latin for Russia.

Today, ruthenium is found in electrical contacts in your mobile phone and on the tip of fountain pen nibs ✒️
Infographic on the element ruthenium, showing its chemical symbol (Ru), atomic number (44) and relative atomic mass (101.07). The infographic highlights the use of ruthenium in alloys used in electronics and switched, as part of alloys in fountain pen nibs, and in the form of ruthenium tetroxide to expose latent fingerprints.
January 22, 2026 at 4:26 PM
compoundchem.com
Chemist Karl Ernst Claus was born #OTD in 1796. Klaus discovered the element ruthenium in 1844, naming it after the Latin for Russia.

Today, ruthenium is found in electrical contacts in your mobile phone and on the tip of fountain pen nibs ✒️
Infographic on the element ruthenium, showing its chemical symbol (Ru), atomic number (44) and relative atomic mass (101.07). The infographic highlights the use of ruthenium in alloys used in electronics and switched, as part of alloys in fountain pen nibs, and in the form of ruthenium tetroxide to expose latent fingerprints.
January 22, 2026 at 3:23 PM
compoundchem.com
Did you spot the aurora earlier this week?

This timely edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social looks at what causes the aurora and the science behind the different colours: cen.acs.org/environment/...

#Chemsky 🧪
Infographic titled "What causes an aurora's colors?" It explains that solar wind particles follow Earth’s magnetic field to the poles, where they excite atmospheric atoms that emit light as they relax. Red light occurs above 150 miles from oxygen. Green light appears between 60 and 150 miles from oxygen. Blue and purple occur below 60 miles from nitrogen. Yellow and pink are color mixes. A map shows auroral zones expanding during solar storms.
January 21, 2026 at 2:41 PM
Reposted by Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics
cenmag.bsky.social
The latest edition of #PeriodicGraphics by @compoundchem.com illuminates the science behind these dazzling light shows in the sky. cen.acs.org/environment/...

#chemsky 🧪
This infographic explains the physics and chemistry of aurora phenomena. The first column shows how collisions between charged particles from the sun and molecules in Earth’s atmosphere cause the emission of light. The second column explains where people can see auroras, depending on solar activity. The third column explains the cause of the different colors seen in the auroras and how they depend on the altitude of the particle collisions.
January 20, 2026 at 1:33 PM
compoundchem.com
How is cheese made, and what affects the type of cheese you end up with? For #NationalCheeseLovers Day, find out more in this edition of #PeriodicGraphics in @cenmag.bsky.social 🧀 cen.acs.org/food/food-sc...

#ChemSky 🧪
An infographic that discusses four key stages of cheese making: Acidification, which converts lactose in milk to lactic acid; coagulation, where casein proteins in milk clump together to form curds; the reduction of moisture content, where cutting, cooking, molding and pressing are used to promote the loss of whey; and maturation, during which flavors and textures develop.
January 20, 2026 at 8:10 AM
Reposted by Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics
julie-peyton.bsky.social
Not surprised that it wasn’t the shell breaking that makes the “pop” but WAS SURPRISED by this:

“During heating, the starch inside the kernel becomes molten, and when the kernel pops it quickly escapes, rapidly cooling and forming popcorn’s characteristic fluffy shape as it solidifies.”
compoundchem.com Compound Interest | Chemistry infographics @compoundchem.com · 22d
Did you know the sound of popcorn popping isn't caused by the cracking of the corn kernel? For #NationalPopcornDay, here's a portion of popcorn science 🍿 www.compoundchem.com/2017/01/19/p...

#ChemSky 🧪
Infographic on the chemistry of popcorn. The most significant aroma compounds are 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (roasty, popcorn-like aroma), (E,E)-2,4-decadienal (fatty, fried aroma) and 2-furfurylthiol (roasted coffee-like aroma). Pyrazines, pyridines and phenols also contribute. Butter-flavoured compounds, including diacetyl, can be added, and can cause respiratory problems for workers in manufacturing facilities. Popcorn pops due to the escape of pressurised water vapour. Molten starch bursts through the shell and rapidly cools, giving popcorn its fluffy appearance
January 19, 2026 at 6:15 PM
compoundchem.com
Did you know the sound of popcorn popping isn't caused by the cracking of the corn kernel? For #NationalPopcornDay, here's a portion of popcorn science 🍿 www.compoundchem.com/2017/01/19/p...

#ChemSky 🧪
Infographic on the chemistry of popcorn. The most significant aroma compounds are 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (roasty, popcorn-like aroma), (E,E)-2,4-decadienal (fatty, fried aroma) and 2-furfurylthiol (roasted coffee-like aroma). Pyrazines, pyridines and phenols also contribute. Butter-flavoured compounds, including diacetyl, can be added, and can cause respiratory problems for workers in manufacturing facilities. Popcorn pops due to the escape of pressurised water vapour. Molten starch bursts through the shell and rapidly cools, giving popcorn its fluffy appearance
January 19, 2026 at 12:45 PM
compoundchem.com
This is a fascinating look at what isotope analysis of limestone deposits can tell us about the baths of Pompeii – in @cenmag.bsky.social: cen.acs.org/analytical-c...
Carbonate crusts preserve the secrets of Pompeii’s public baths
Stable isotope analysis suggests that, before Roman aqueducts, residents of the city may have soaked in dirty water
cen.acs.org
January 18, 2026 at 9:16 AM