Molecules Around Me

By: Kathryn Wheelwright

1st Molecule: Conditioner

Category: Personal hygiene and cleaning products
Name: Herbal essence conditioner
Description: Volumizing and lifting up your hair leaving a great bounce
Ingredients: Active: Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Pearl Extract, Zea
Mays (Corn) Silk Extract, Passiflora Laurifolia Flower Extract, Passiflora Incarnata Flower Extract,
Passiflora Quadrangularis Flower Extract, Fragrance, Stearyl Alcohol, Quaternium-18, BisAminopropyl Dimethicone, Benzyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate,
Hydroxyethylcellulose, Oleyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, EDTA, Polysorbate 60,
Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Yellow 10, Yellow 5.
Image Reference: http://www.wiseshe.com/2013/08/herbal-essences-body-envy-volumizing-conditionerreview.html

Compound 1: Water
Water: Is an active ingredient in conditioner
Molecular formula: H2O
Inorganic or Organic: Inorganic
Summary: Water is a polar compound. Water is a great solvent and known for being a universal
solvent. In conditioner they use more pure and soft water such as distilled water because hard
water would leave your hair damaged and dry. The conditioner utilizes water to bring back
moisture in your hair along with the other substances. Also, water is in the shampoo to help
form the micelle form the soap and drag the grime away. Water is one of the best things for your
hair.
Image reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:H2O_-_2d.svg
Information reference: http://blacknaps.org/water-natural-hair/

Compound 2: Stearyl Alcohol

Stearyl Alcohol: An active ingredient in conditioner
Molecular formula: C18H38O
Inorganic or Organic: Organic
Summary: Stearyl Alcohol is an alcohol that doesnt behave like other alcohol because it is
extremely low in toxins. Also, it is a fatty alcohol, and is known from coming from fat in coconut
oil. It is known as an emulsifier because it allows water and oil to mix. This substance is the
reason for the softness that comes from using conditioner. It is known for the way the
conditioner looks more creamy because it is a fatty alcohol.
Image reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stearyl_alcohol#/media/File:1-Octadecanol.svg
Information reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stearyl_alcohol
http://www.thenaturalhavenbloom.com/2011/01/ingredients-dictionary-cetyl-alcohol.html

Compound 3: Glyceryl Stearate

Glyceryl Stearate: An active ingredient in conditioner
Molecular formula: C21H42O4
Inorganic or Organic: Organic
Summary: Glyceryl Stearate is a wax like substance that forms when glycerin and stearic acid
react. It is an emulsifier in the conditioner to helps prevent moisture loss, and the formation of
the substance. The moisture comes from the creamy smoothness that the wax gives off. It
forms barriers to slow down the process of losing water or moisture which will protect the hair
from damage longer.
Image reference: http://www.chemicalbook.com/ChemicalProductProperty_EN_CB1966093.htm
Information reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycerol_monostearate
http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/ingredients/what-is-glyceryl-stearate/
http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/glyceryl-stearate

Compound 4: Citric Acid

Citric Acid: An active ingredient in conditioner
Molecular formula: C6H8O7
Inorganic or Organic: Organic
Summary: In order to create the fruit smell, citric acid is added to the conditioner. Citric acid is
most commonly found in citrus fruit. However, that is not the main reason they put citric acid in
conditioner. Its main purpose is to slow down the process bacteria formations. Also, the citric
acid is there to help balance the ph level of the conditioner.
Image reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citric_acid#/media/File:Zitronens%C3%A4ure_-_Citric_acid.
svg
Information reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citric_acid
http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/citric-acid

Compound 5: Methylisothiazolinone
Methylisothiazolinone: An active ingredient in conditioner
Molecular formula: C4H5NOS
Inorganic or Organic: Organic
Summary: Methylisothiazolinone is a preservative known widely for being added to personal
care products. It is added to slow the growth of bacteria because the conditioner is a watercontaining substance. It is a type of cytoxan which has been a concern is usage because in a
study it caused DNA damage. Also, it is known to produce allergic reaction when in many
cosmetics. However, the FDA must approved the usage before it can be released to the public,
so the risk is decreased.
Image reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methylisothiazolinone#/media/File:Methylisothiazolinone.svg
Information reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methylisothiazolinone#Human_health
https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/703935/METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE/

2nd Molecule: Advil

Category: Healthcare and medical products
Name: Advil
Description: Pain relief
Ingredients: Active: 200 mg Ibuprofen (NSAID)**Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug Inactive:
acetylated monoglycerides, colloidal silicon dioxide, corn starch, croscarmellose sodium,
methylparaben, microcrystalline cellulose, pharmaceutical glaze, pharmaceutical ink, povidone,
pregelatinized starch, propylparaben, sodium benzoate, sodium lauryl sulfate, stearic acid,
sucrose, synthetic iron oxide, titanium dioxide, white wax
Image and information reference: https://www.advil.com/advil

Compound 1: Sodium Benzoate

Sodium Benzoate: Is an inactive ingredient in Advil
Molecular formula: C7H5NaO2
Inorganic or Organic: Organic
Summary: Sodium benzoate is the salt from the formation of benzoic acid. It is known to be
found in some fruit. However, it is another substance added to help preserve the medicine. This
is especially for when they sit for extended amounts of time on shelves before and after
shipping. Also, it is organic which intrigues more buyers for the product. Sodium benzoate is
known as a safe substance until it is combined with vitamin C or E.
Image reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_benzoate#/media/File:Sodium_Benzoate_V.1.svg
Information reference: https://naturespulchritude.wordpress.com/2014/04/02/preservatives-in-naturalproducts-sodium-benzoate/

Compound 2: Stearic Acid

Stearic Acid: An inactive ingredient in Advil
Molecular formula: C18H36O2
Inorganic or Organic: Organic
Summary: Stearic acid is a fatty acid known to be used for pharmaceutical means such as
tablets or capsules. The acid is found in fats and oils from vegetables or animals. Stearic acid
is used as an emulsifier, and is used for solubility in medications. It can also be used as a
lubricant for better and easier swallowing. Also, the FDA must approve the use of stearic acid if
used as an inactive ingredient.
Image reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stearic_acid#/media/File:Stearic_acid.svg
Information reference: https://www.drugs.com/inactive/stearic-acid-77.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stearic_acid

Compound 3: Sucrose
Sucrose: An inactive ingredient in Advil
Molecular formula: C12H22O11
Inorganic or Organic: Organic
Summary: Sucrose can also be known as table sugar. It can come from beet or cane sugar.
Sucrose is a sweetener added to the coating of the advil tablet in order to make swallowing
easier especially for children. Sucrose can be found as an ingredient in chewable tablets or
syrups as an additive for flavor.
Image reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sucrose#/media/File:Saccharose2.svg
Information reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sucrose
https://www.drugs.com/inactive/sucrose-74.html
http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S0034-72992006000300018&script=sci_arttext&tlng=en

Compound 4: Synthetic Iron Oxide

Synthetic Iron Oxide: An inactive ingredient in Advil
Molecular formula: Fe2O3
Inorganic or Organic: Inorganic
Summary: Synthetic iron oxide can be known is two forms, Iron (II) oxide and Iron (III) oxide.
Iron (III) oxide is a know as a pigment for yellow, orange, and red coloring because when oxygen
rust it creates those colors. It the substance used in the Advil for the red color coating. Also, a
property that it has is being water repellent which is why it is added to many cosmetics.
Image reference: http://www.chemspider.com/Chemical-Structure.452497.html
Information reference: http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/iron_oxide/750400.pdf
https://uriahhu.wordpress.com/the-uses-and-harmful-effects-of-iron-oxide/

Compound 5: Titanium Dioxide

Titanium Dioxide: An inactive ingredient in Advil
Molecular formula: TiO2
Inorganic or Organic: Organic
Summary: Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring mineral. It is most common in paint,
sunscreen, and cosmetics. It is used to create the pigment and the coating for Advil. Most of
the time it is used in for a white color pigmentation such as sunscreen and lotion, but for Advil
its coating is a red color.
Image reference: http://www.ddwcolor.com/natural-colours/titanium-dioxide/
Information reference: https://www.drugs.com/inactive/titanium-dioxide-70.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanium_dioxide#Applications

3rd Molecule: Coke

Category: Food and Nutritional supplements
Name: Coca-Cola
Description: A well known beverage or soft drink
Ingredients: Active: Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Caramel Color,
Phosphoric Acid, Natural Flavors, Caffeine.
Image Reference: http://feelgrafix.com/997508-coke.html
Information Reference:
http://www.coca-colaproductfacts.com/en/coca-cola-products/coca-cola/

Compound 1: Carbonated Water

Carbonated water: An active ingredient in Coca-Cola
Molecular formula: H2CO3
Inorganic or Organic: Organic
Summary: Carbonated water is added carbon dioxide to water that has been dissolved known
as H2CO3. Carbonic acid is another name for carbonated water. Carbonated water is the reason
for the bubbles or fuzziness of the soda as a result of the extra carbon dioxide. It is said to give
it a refreshing taste and flavor. In addition to the carbonated water, they add a sweetener such
as corn syrup or some type of fruit.
Image reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbonic_acid#/media/File:Carbonic-acid-2D.svg
Information reference: http://www.chemistryislife.com/the-chemistry-of-soda-pop
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbonated_water

Compound 2: High Fructose Corn Syrup

High fructose corn syrup: An active ingredient in Coca-Cola
Molecular formula: C6H12O6
Inorganic or Organic: Organic
Summary: High Fructose corn syrup is a type of fructose that originates from corn or sugar
beets. It contains large amounts of natural sugars which is why it is used as a sweetener for
soda. The process of making the syrup for the soda contains, crushing up corn kernels into a
fine liquid then react with enzymes to make a paste. The paste reacts to form fructose that the
corns glucose. Also, in order for the high fructose corn syrup isotope to be added to soda it
must react with another isotope.
Image reference: http://www.chemeddl.org/resources/models360/files/5984/d-fructose-fischer.png
Information reference: http://www.chemistryislife.com/the-chemistry-of-soda-pop

Compound 3: Caramel Color

Caramel color: An active ingredient in Coca-Cola
Molecular formula: C36H18O24
Inorganic or Organic: Inorganic
Summary: Caramel color is a type of food coloring, but is water soluble. It is produced by the
process of carbohydrates undergoing heat treatment. Caramel color is a very commonly used
ingredient throughout the world. Also, caramel color can be used as a sweetener depending on
its reaction with other additives. Caramel color can be used as an emulsifier or a colloid.
Image reference: https://radiofreethinker.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/kc-1.png
Information reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caramel_color
http://www.feingold.org/Research/PDFstudies/colors.pdf

Compound 4: Phosphoric Acid

Phosphoric Acid: An active ingredient in Coca-Cola
Molecular formula: H3PO4
Inorganic or organic: Inorganic
Summary: Soda contains phosphoric acid to maintain, and give a crisp flavor from the acid. As
a result of soda being so sugary, the phosphoric acid is added to slow the growth of bacteria.
Phosphoric acid is a corrosive ingredient in soda, so soda will only contain a very small
amount.
Image reference: http://chemistry.stackexchange.com/questions/47719/why-boiling-point-of-sulfuric-acid-ismuch-higher-than-that-of-phosphoric-acid
Information reference: http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/consumer/faq/why-phosphoric-acidin-soda-pop.shtml
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphoric_acid

Compound 5: Caffeine
Caffeine: An active ingredient in Coca-Cola
Molecular formula: C8H10N4O2
Inorganic or Organic: Organic
Summary: Caffeine is a simulate to the human body that increases awareness in the central
nervous system. It is known as a way to addict people to the soda. Caffeine is a psychoactive
drug, but is a legal drug. It is added to block the adenosine receptor in order to prevent
drowsiness. Most sodas contain somewhere between 0 and 55 milligrams og caffeine per 12
ounces of the soda.
Image reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caffeine#/media/File:Koffein_-_Caffeine.svg
Information reference: http://www.chemistryislife.com/the-chemistry-of-soda-pop
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caffeine