Molecules Around Me

Kari Mirka

Product 1: Coca-Cola Type A: Food Product

Name: Coca-Cola A.K.A. “Coke”

Description: A common American household drink

Ingredients: carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, caramel color, phosphoric acid, natural flavors (citric acids), and caffeine.

Of course, the full ingredient list for Coca-Cola is kept secret to avoid stealing and is kept under maximum security.

Compound 1: Caffeine

A.K.A. 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine

Molecular Formula: C8H10N4O2

Caffeine is an organic molecule because it contains carbon.

Summary: Caffeine is a stimulant drug that “keeps people awake”. Caffeine also provides the characteristic bitter flavor that coke is known for.

Compound 2: High Fructose Corn Syrup

A.K.A. Sucrose, Fructose, and Glucose

Molecular Formula: C6H12O6 and C12H22O11

High Fructose Corn Syrup is an organic compound because it’s carbon based.

Summary: The purpose of high fructose corn syrup in coke is to give a sweeter flavor to balance out the bitterness from caffeine.

Compound 3: Citric Acid

Molecular Formula: C6H8O7

Citric Acid is organic because it is made of carbon.

Summary: Although citric acid provides a weak flavor, it adds a bitter taste to coca-cola.

Compound 4: Carbonated Water

A.K.A. Carbonic Acid

Molecular Formula: H2CO3

Carbonic Acid is organic because it is made from carbon.

Summary: Carbonated water is an important ingredient in any soda because it adds the well-known bubbly aspect.

Compound 5: Phosphoric Acid

Molecular Formula: H3PO4

Phosphoric Acid is not an organic compound because it is not carbon based.

Summary: Phosphoric Acid is added to soda to help decrease the population of bacteria due to sugar and also is the key component in soda’s acidity flavor.

Product 2: Asthma Inhaler

Type B: Medicinal

Description: Inhalers are a medical device used to treat diseases and disorders of the lungs, most commonly asthma. There are two types of inhalers: rescue and prevention. Prevention inhalers are usually taken in the morning and stay in the body for around 12 hours that can prevent any irritant that might occur during the day. Rescue inhalers contain higher doses of the compounds and are used in an emergency to treat reactions immediately. Although there are different brands of inhalers that contain different compounds, they provide the same benefits.

Ingredients: Albuterol Sulfate, Fluticasone, Salmeterol, 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane, and Ipratropium Bromide.

Compound 1: Albuterol Sulfate

A.K.A. Salbutamol Sulfate

Molecular Formula: (C13H21NO3) H2SO4

Albuterol Sulfate is an organic molecule because it contains carbon.

Summary: In an inhaler, Albuterol Sulfate is the fast-acting compound used for immediate rescue. Albuterol Sulfate is labeled as a SABA, or short-acting beta antagonist because it doesn’t stay in the body long but provides immediate relief by dilating the bronchial tubes, allowing airto pass through normally.

Compound 2: Fluticasone

Molecular Formula: C22H27F3O4S

Fluticasone is organic because it is made from carbon.

Summary: In an inhaler, Fluticasone is the corticosteroid. Corticosteroid are commonly used in preventative inhalers to treat inflammation or swelling of the airways. Fluticasone is not a fast-acting ingredient and should be inhaled before any suspected allergen.

Compound 3: Salmeterol

Molecular Formula: C25H37NO4

Salmeterol is an organic compound because it’s carbon based.

Summary: Salmeterol is one of the most common ingredients in a preventative inhaler. Salmeterol is known as a long-acting beta antagonist because it stays in the body for around 12 hours and protects throughout the day.

Compound 4: Norflurane

A.K.A. 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane and HFA-134a

Molecular Formula: CH2FCF3

Norflurane is organic because it contains carbon.

Summary: Norflurane is used in an inhaler to suspend the other ingredients in the canister and also acts as a propellant. When the canister is activated, the main ingredients are “propelled” out of the inhaler into the lungs and provide treatment.

Compound 5: Ipratropium Bromide

A.K.A. Atrovent

Molecular Formula: C20H30BrNO3

Ipratropium Bromide is organic because it is made of carbon.

Summary: Ipratropium Bromide can be used in either allergy medications or in inhalers, providing similar relief. Ipratropium Bromide provides almost the same effect as Albuterol Sulfate by dilating the bronchial tubes and blocks acetylcholine in the airway nasal passage from swelling.

Product 3: Body Wash

Name: Olay Ultra Moisture

Type C: Hygiene Product

Description: Body wash is commonly used in the shower to clean and moisturize the skin.

Ingredients: Water, Petrolatum, Sodium Trideceth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Trideceth-3, Fragrance, Citric Acid, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Acrylonitrile/Methacrylonitrile/Methyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, PEG-90M, Disodium Edta, Mineral Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Isopentane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Panthenol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Yellow 5, & Red 33.

Compound 1: Isopentane

A.K.A. Methylbutane

Molecular Formula: C5H12

Isopentane is an organic compound because it is made from carbon.

Summary: By itself Isopentane is highly flammable, but when mixed with other ingredients, it provides moisture for the skin.

Compound 2: Sodium Chloride

A.K.A. Salt

Molecular Formula: NaCl

Sodium Chloride is not an organic compound because it is not made from carbon.

Summary: When used in body wash, Sodium Chloride adds viscosity to the mixture, making it thick and sticky. Salt can also act as a scrubbing agent to help rid of dead skin cells and soften the skin.

Compound 3: Sodium Benzoate

Molecular Formula: NaC7H5O2

Sodium Benzoate is an organic compound because it contains carbon.

Summary: Sodium Benzoate can be toxic to humans in high doses, but used in small amounts, the body is able to handle it just fine. The purpose for Sodium Benzoate in body wash is to preserve all the ingredients, keeping everything fresh.

Compound 4: GlycerinA.K.A. Glycerol

Molecular Formula: C3H8O3

Glycerin is an organic compound because it is made from carbon.

Summary: In many cosmetic products, glycerin plays an important role. Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it provides and also helps retain moisture. Glycerin is commonly used in many cosmetic products because people generally want soft hair and moisturized skin.

Compound 5: Tocopheryl AcetateA.K.A. Vitamin E Acetate

Molecular Formula: C31H52O3

Tocopheryl Acetate is an organic compound because it is made of carbon.

Summary: Tocopheryl Acetate is also commonly used in many skin care products. Tocopheryl Acetate is added to these products because it is an antioxidant that may prevent or delay skin cell damage. Tocopheryl Acetate also provides moisture for the skin.