Famous Molecules
Water, DNA, ATP, aspirin, caffeine and more - the structures and science behind the world's most important molecules. Click any card for the full deep-dive.
๐ฌ Key Molecules
Eight molecules that shaped chemistry, biology, medicine, and civilisation. Each has a dedicated detail page.
The most important molecule on Earth. Its bent shape and polarity give it unique properties: high surface tension, capillary action, excelle...
Full details โLinear and non-polar despite having polar bonds, because the two bond dipoles cancel. Exists as a gas at room temperature. Absorbs infrared ...
Full details โDeoxyribonucleic acid encodes all genetic information in living organisms. The double helix is held together by hydrogen bonds between compl...
Full details โAdenosine Triphosphate is the molecule cells use to store and transfer energy. When the terminal phosphate is removed (hydrolysis to ADP), ~...
Full details โA natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, and cacao. Works by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain. Adenosine normally causes drowsines...
Full details โAcetylsalicylic acid. Works by irreversibly inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which produce prostaglandins (molecules causing pain, fever,...
Full details โThe alcohol in alcoholic drinks. Acts on GABA receptors (inhibitory) and NMDA receptors (excitatory) in the brain, producing sedation. Produ...
Full details โTable salt. An ionic compound forming a 3D crystal lattice where each Naโบ is surrounded by 6 Clโป and vice versa. High melting point (801ยฐC) ...
Full details โ๐ Bond Types
Every type of chemical bond, from ionic to Van der Waals - what holds molecules together and why it matters.
Complete transfer of electrons. Forms between metals and non-metals. High melting point. Conducts when dissolved/molten.
Sharing of 2 electrons (1 pair). C-H bonds in all organic molecules. Can be polar or non-polar.
Sharing of 4 electrons (2 pairs). Shorter and stronger than single bonds. Alkenes contain C=C.
Sharing of 6 electrons (3 pairs). Nโ triple bond is the strongest diatomic bond (945 kJ/mol). Very unreactive.
Attraction between ฮด+ H and lone pair on O, N, or F. Individually weak but collectively crucial for DNA, water, and protein structure.
Sea of delocalised electrons. Explains conductivity, malleability, ductility, and metallic lustre. Stronger in metals with more delocalised electrons.
Temporary dipoles from electron movement. Only force between non-polar molecules. Explains why noble gases can be liquefied at low temperatures.