11 Compounds We Use In Everyday Life

There are several compounds we all use in our daily life, which have become an essential part of our growth and survival. We encounter these compounds in our daily life; in the food we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe.

“A compound is a substance which results from the combination of two or more chemical elements held together by a strong force between them.” Let’s check some compounds that we use in our everyday life.”

1. Water

Chemical Formula: H2O

Almost no living thing can survive without water. Water is everywhere on our planet. It is the reason we have an organic life on earth. A water molecule consists of one oxygen atom combined with two hydrogen atoms. We use water throughout our day and night; in drinking, cooking, household needs, industries, and agriculture. Apart from these general uses of water, you might be amazed to know that water plays a major role in volcanic eruptions. Besides many horrific tales about volcanic eruptions, they are, in fact, very beneficial for us; as they provide nutrients to the surroundings which contain valuable minerals that are beneficial to plants. Therefore, water is the most important compound in our life.

2. Table Salt

Chemical Formula: NaCl

We can find salt on almost every dining table, as the basic ingredient which can be used in so many smart ways other than seasoning your food and is also considered as one of the most effective preservatives. Despite all common household uses of salt, it is also used as a deicing agent. It lowers the freezing point of water and prevents it from freezing. Table salt is a chemical compound made by one atom of sodium and one atom of chlorine, held together by an ionic bond. Almost 96-99% content of table salt is NaCl, rest 1-4% are impurities or other chemical compounds added to it.

3. Sucrose (Sugar)

Chemical Formula: C12H22O11

Sucrose is the common sugar which again forms the major ingredient in baking and cooking. Apart from enjoying sucrose through various desserts and beverages, they are extensively used in pharmaceutical industries, where they act as an additive in medicinal drugs (which taste utterly terrible) to make them more palatable. Sucrose is produced naturally in plants, from where the table sugar is refined. It consists of 12 atoms of carbon, 22 atoms of hydrogen and 11 atoms of oxygen held together by a glycosidic bond.

4. Soaps

Chemical Formula:  RCOO^–Na, Where R is a long chain of carbon atoms ranging from 16-18 in number.

We all start our daily routine after taking a good bath. Apart from these normal toilet soaps, there are also some bar soaps containing glycerine, which may help people with dermatological problems like eczema. Soap is the complex and an ionic compound which consists of a long chain of carbons, oxygen and sodium ions held together by ionic bonds.

5. Toothpaste

Chemical Formula: CaCO3 or NaF

Brushing our teeth is first thought come to our mind after we wake up. We have a variety of toothpaste available in the market; like an anti-cavity, extra whitening, for sensitivity and many more. Toothpaste doesn’t only make your teeth white, it may also be used in multiple pays such as; to eliminate show scuff and cleaning containers like thermoses and baby bottles. It is a basic compound which reduces the bacteria present in our mouth.

6. Baking Powder

Chemical Formula: NaHCO3 (Sodium-bi-carbonate ion)

Baking powder is the compound consisting of sodium, hydrogen, and carbonate ions. It is used in baking cakes and desserts. It is also used in neutralizing stomach acidity. Moreover, it can be used as a natural deodorant.

7. Mouthwash

Chemical Formula: H2O2 (Hydrogen peroxide)

Mouth wash is an antiseptic solution which is used to reduce the antibacterial load in our oral cavity. Hydrogen Peroxide is used to kill bacteria, soothes bleeding gums, sore throat and as a teeth whitener. Along with these uses, it is widely used in industries such as electronic industry where it is used as an oxidizing and cleaning agent in the manufacturing process of semiconductors and printed circuit boards.

8. Nailpaint Remover

Chemical Formula: CH3COCH3 (Acetone)

Nailpaint remover is a widely used cosmetic found on the dressing table of most of the women. It breaks down nail polish, making it easy to remove with a cotton swab or cloth. It is widely used because it can easily mix with water and evaporates quickly in the air. Acetone not only removes nail polish but is also helpful in removing gum, oil, and other sticky substances from raw textiles like cotton or silk. Its chemical name is acetone or propane-ol and is a colorless liquid.

9. Vinegar

Chemical Formula: CH3COOH (Ethanoic Acid/Acetic Acid)

Vinegar is the chemical compound consisting, carboxylic acid. It is widely used as a preservative and for seasoning food and salad. It is also used for cleaning purposes. Those beauty conscious people may also find this chemical helpful as it is also used in a pedicure.

10. Alcohol

Chemical Formula: CH3CH2OH (Ethanol)

Alcohol is an addictive psychoactive drug, widely used amongst adults and teenagers to get high. Ethanol is the clear colorless liquid which is widely used in the manufacturing of beer, whiskey, wines and so on.. It is also used as an antiseptic in medical wipes and hand sanitizers.

11. Aspirin

Chemical Formula: C9H8O4 (Acetylsalicylic acid)

Aspirin is one of the most common medicines we have heard since childhood. It is used to treat pain, fever, and inflammations. Acetylsalicylic acid is the major component of aspirin and many other medicines.