Simplicity to Complexity Reformulated Quiz

Answer: Aspirin

Aspirin, or ASA (short for Acetylsalicylic acid), is a medication that can reduce pain, fever, and various types of inflammation. The chemical compound was originally developed in 1853 by Alsatian chemist Charles Frédéric Gerhardt, who treated treated acetyl chloride with sodium salicylate to create it. Further development and more efficient methods of synthesis were devised, and in 1899, the drug and dye firm Bayer began producing it under the trade name 'Aspirin'.

Answer: Vinegar

Vinegar is one of the most easily manufactured mild acids, and has seen common use as a cleaning agent and perhaps even more commonly in the culinary arts.

The term 'vinegar' came to Middle English from the Old French 'vyn egre', which means 'sour wine'.

Answer: Antiperspirant

Aluminum chlorohydrate is the primary ingredient in antiperspirant products. It is an aluminum-based salt that works by forming a temporary plug within the sweat duct that help reduce the flow of sweat to the skin's surface. At the same time, it also creates an environment on the skin's surface that is hostile to the bacteria that cause underarm odour.

Answer: Bleach

Sodium hypochlorite is most commonly used as a pale greenish-yellow dilute solution that we call liquid bleach. It has been used since the 18th century as a household cleaning (or bleaching) agent.

As a word of caution, sodium hypochlorite is a strong oxidizer, meaning that reactions are corrosive. In concentrated forms, bleach can burn the skin and cause eye damage.

Answer: Plaster of Paris

Plaster of Paris is actually created out of gypsum, which was one of the choices of the previous "Simplicity to Complexity" quiz that I wrote. Essentially, when the correct amount of heat is applied to gypsum, the white powder of plaster of Paris is produced, along with steam.

Plaster of Paris is used for making toys and ornaments, as well as by doctors for casts for setting bones and by dentists for casts of dentures. It is also used to smooth the walls of a home before painting, and as a fire-proofing material. Quite a few different uses!

Answer: Smelling salts

Ammonium carbonate readily degrades to the components of gaseous ammonia and carbon dioxide when heated. With such properties, it was used as a leavening agent before the advent of baking powder.

The compound is effective as 'smelling salts' to reverse the effect of fainting. How, you ask? The release of the gaseous ammonia triggers an inhalation reflex by irritating the mucous membranes of the nose and lungs.

Answer: Table salt

Table salt is actually about 98% sodium chloride, and is commonly mixed with an anti-caking agent to keep it from clumping. When you consider that salt is essential to the health of humans and (salty) is also one of the five basic taste sensations (along with bitter, sweet, sour and savoury), it is no wonder that it is ubiquitous in our foods and on our tables.

Answer: Talcum powder

Talcum powder is a finely ground form of 'talc' that is primarily used in cosmetics or as a lubricant, and is a primary ingredient in baby powder. As talc, the clay mineral is utilized in many industries from paper and plastics to paints, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, and even as a food additive.

Answer: Moth balls

Also called para-dichlorobenzene, or p-DCB, this compound is used as a disinfectant, pesticide, and deodorant, most commonly in the form of moth balls. It is also used in another form that men might be familiar with - the odour is that commonly associated with urinal cakes.

Answer: Table sugar

Sucrose is classified as a disaccharaide, composed of fructose and glucose molecules. It is the sugar most commonly extracted and refined from either sugar cane or sugar beets. After the refining process, the crystallized sugar is clear, odourless, and oh, so sweet.

Yum!