Chemistry in Its Element

Matt Gunther introduces the alloy that links armour-piercing bullets and ball point pens: Tungsten carbide

Brian Clegg introduces a weedkiller whose name has entered public consciousness – Paraquat

In this seasonal podcast, we look at the compounds found in frankincense and myrrh

Nina Notman introduces isoniazid - an antibiotic key to treating tuberculosis

Could this be the sweetener that causes the most online panic?

Used to make synthetic cannabis, cannabicyclohexanol may be more risky than its non-synthetic counterpart

Simon Cotton introduces the painkiller tramadol – could this be the next banned drug in competitive cycling?

A protein with an impressive roster of 'firsts': Anna Lewcock introduces insulin

Simon Cotton explores our hallucinogenic horizons with psilocybin and mescaline

It smells of 'rotting horseradish' but gives glass a magnificent red colour – Brian Clegg shines a light on...

Marketed as a path to eternal youth but banned in professional sports, Hayley Simon introduces human growth hormone

It may have no common name, but as Brian Clegg explains, magnesium chloride has many common uses

Simon Cotton takes us back to a dark day in UK history, to highlight a terrible use of acetone peroxide

The drug that fuelled rave culture may yet be a treatment for PTSD. Hayley Simon introduces MDMA

Why would a simple molecule used to produce plastics excite astronomers? Brian Clegg introduces ethane

Lars Öhrström explains how tantalum(V)oxide banished 'the brick' and allows your mobile phone to fit in your...

When Brian Clegg's acid reflux strikes, he knows he can rely on help from this compound: Sodium alginate

It reeks of rotting fish but finds use in a range of applications - Jenna Bilbrey introduces trimethylamine

Phenol, that mainstay of the chemical industry, was a familiar smell around the house in soap. Brian Clegg reveals all

Simon Cotton describes one of his favourite school chemistry experiments, involving this week's compound: Glycerol

It's highly toxic but essential for studying detailed structures of cells. Brian Clegg introduces osmium tetraoxide

You may have created it in a fiery flash or taken it to soothe a burning stomach. Simon Cotton on magnesium oxide

Why don't fish freeze in sub-zero seas? Helen Scales introduces the compounds that protect them - antifreeze...

It makes a sweet banana-flavoured treat, but can ruin home brewed beer; Jenna Bilbrey introduces isoamyl acetate