Tanner Nudd
The Molecules Around Me
 Food and nutritional supplements
Product: Pop-tarts cookies & creme
Compound #1
Name: Niacin
Photo:
Molecular Formula: C6H5NO2
Organic or inorganic: Inorganic
Molecular structure:
Summary of compound: Niacin is a B vitamin that occurs naturally in plants and
animals. It is added to many foods as a vitamin supplement. It is used to lower
cholesterol and treat heart attack patients.
Compound #2
Name: Dextrose
Photo:
Molecular Formula: C6H12O6
Organic or inorganic: Organic
Molecular structure:
Summary of compound: Dextrose is also referred to as glucose. It is a simple sugar
and a major fuel source for cell function in the human body. Dextrose is found in
both plant and animal tissue.
Compound #3
Name: Lactylate
Photo:
Molecular Formula: C24H44O6Na
Organic or inorganic: Organic
Molecular structure:
Summary of compound: Also known as calcium stearoyl lactylate. It is a food
additive to add extra moisture to the food products. It is a food conditioner and
texture enhancer.
Compound #4
Name: Palmitate
Photo:
Molecular Formula: C16H32O2
Organic or inorganic: Organic
Molecular structure:
Summary of compound: Palmitate is an antioxidant and A vitamin. It is added to
low fat and fat free milk to replace the vitamin content lost during the removal of
milk fat. Palmitate is found in a variety of plant and animal sources mostly from
palm oil and coconut oil.
Compound #5
Name: carrageenan
Photo:
Molecular Formula:
Organic or inorganic: Organic
Molecular structure:
Summary of compound: Carrageenan is a product derived of seaweed. It is used
most often as a thickening agent in place of animal based products like gelatin. In
food products it keeps mixed substances from separating.
 Healthcare and medicinal products
Product: Ibuprofen
Compound #1
Name: Croscarmellose sodium
Photo:
Molecular Formula: C13H18O2
Organic or inorganic: Organic
Molecular structure:
Summary of compound: Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drug
NSAID. It is also used to reduce fever and treat pain and inflammation.
Compound #2
Name: Hypromellose
Photo:
Molecular Formula: C56H108O30
Organic or inorganic: Organic
Molecular structure:
Summary of compound: Hypromellose is a highly viscous polymer. It is used as a
thickener in some types of foods. It is also used as a lubricant for the eye. It is also
used as a thickener in oral medications.
Compound #3
Name: Microcrystalline cellulose
Photo:
Molecular Formula: (C6H10O5)n
Organic or inorganic: Organic
Molecular structure:
Summary of compound: Is another name for refined wood pulp. It helps, disperse
and stabilize medication. It also acts as an anti-caking agent.
Compound #4
Name: Polyethylene glycol
Photo:
Molecular Formula: C2nH4n+2On+1
Organic or inorganic: Organic
Molecular structure:
Summary of compound: Polyethylene Glycol known as PEG is most commonly
used organic polyether. It has many clinical uses like as a Laxative. It is also known
as Carbowax.
Compound #5
Name: Polysorbate 80
Photo:
Molecular Formula: C64H124O26
Organic or inorganic: Organic
Molecular structure:
Summary of compound: Polysorbate 80 is an amber/golden-colored viscous liquid
used as an emulsifier or surfactant in foods, medicines, skincare products,
vaccines and mouthwash.
 Personal hygiene and cleaning products
Product: Vaseline body lotion
Compound #1
Name: Phenoxyethonal
Photo:
Molecular Formula: C8H10O2
Organic or inorganic: Organic
Molecular structure:
Summary of compound: is a glycol ether often used in dermatological products
such as skin creams and sunscreen.
Compound #2
Name: Dimethicone
Photo:
Molecular Formula: (C2H6OSi)n
Organic or inorganic: organic
Molecular structure:
Summary of compound: Dimethicone is also called Polydimethylsiloxane. (PDMS)
belongs to a group of polymeric organosilicon compounds that are commonly
referred to as silicones. PDMS is the most widely used silicon-based organic
polymer.
Compound #3
Name: Stearic acid
Photo:
Molecular Formula: C18H36O2
Organic or inorganic: organic
Molecular structure:
Summary of compound: It is a waxy, solid, saturated fatty acid with an 18 carbon
chain.
Compound #4
Name: Petrolatum
Photo:
Molecular Formula: C(n) H(2n+2)
Organic or inorganic: organic
Molecular structure:
Summary of compound: a neutral unctuous substance that is practically odorless
and tasteless and is insoluble in water. It is obtained from petroleum.
Compound #5
Name: Glycerin
Photo:
Molecular Formula: C3H8O3
Organic or inorganic: organic
Molecular structure:
Summary of compound: is a simple polyol compound. It is a colorless, odorless,
viscous liquid that is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations.
Overall summary
I learned that scientists have found many compounds that they can add to consumer
products that do certain things to the products. Sometimes the compounds enhance flavor or
texture. Sometimes they keep mixtures from separating or they help keep things separated.
Some compounds keep moisture in the product and some keep the product dry. I also learned
that many people have concerns with some of these chemical compounds that scientists
routinely put in our consumable goods. Some believe they cause serious health concerns and
should not be added to our foods, medicines, shampoos and lotions. Even though the
compounds are reported to be safe, some people are worried about how these compounds can
affect our bodies.
References:
www.pharmacopeia.cn
http://en.wikipedia.org
www.foodnetworksolution.com
www.usermeds.com
www.cushblog.com