Molecules at an Exhabition

What ingredient in Coke can remove rust from chrome? What is the bitterest substance on earth? What is the worst smelling one? In this entertaining tour of chemistry, John Emsley answers these and many other questions as he illuminates the materials that make up our world. Dozens of lively articles explore such well-known molecules as water, oxygen, and glass; versatile plastics like polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyurethane; even "elements from hell" such as Sarin (a lethal nerve gas). With no formulas, equations, or molecular diagrams to baffle the non-expert, each piece blends history, science, and anecdote, with many intriguing facts added to the mix.

Introduction
A quick guide to things large and small
Gallery 1. Nearly as nature intended: some curious molecules in the foods we eat
Gallery 2. Testing your metal: the metals which our bodies must have
Gallery 3. Starting lives, saving lives, screwing up lives: molecules that can help or harm us
Gallery 4. Home, sweet home: detergents, dangers, delights, and delusions
Gallery 5. Material progress and immaterial observations: molecules that make life a little easier
Gallery 6. Landscape room - environmental cons, concerns, and comments: molecules that stalk the world
Gallery 7. We're on the road to nowhere: molecules to transport us
Gallery 8. Elements from Hell: molecules that are mainly malevolent
Book list
Appendix: molecular portraits on display in this book