Examples of chemical substances
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Defining Chemical Substances: Key Concepts and Examples
A chemical substance is a form of matter with a specific chemical composition and distinct properties. Chemical substances can be elements, compounds, or more complex mixtures, and are central to the study and practice of chemistry 39.
Examples of Chemical Substances: Elements and Compounds
Common examples of chemical substances include:
- Elements: Pure substances consisting of only one type of atom, such as hydrogen (H₂), oxygen (O₂), and gold (Au) 25.
- Compounds: Substances formed from two or more elements chemically bonded together, such as water (H₂O), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and sodium chloride (NaCl) 259.
These examples are widely used in teaching and are foundational in understanding chemical reactions and changes 35.
Complex Chemical Substances: Mixtures and UVCBs
Some chemical substances are more complex, such as mixtures and UVCBs (Unknown or Variable composition, Complex reaction products, and Biological materials). Examples include:
- Petroleum products: These are mixtures of many different hydrocarbons and other compounds, and their exact composition can vary depending on the source and processing method .
- Industrial solvents and hazardous chemicals: These can include mixtures like gasoline, paint thinners, and cleaning agents, each containing multiple chemical substances .
Chemical Substances in Databases and Regulation
Large databases like PubChem catalog millions of chemical substances, including both simple and complex examples. These databases list substances such as:
- Organic and inorganic compounds: Methane, ethanol, sulfuric acid, and ammonia.
- Hazardous chemicals: Pesticides, herbicides, and industrial solvents 46.
Regulatory frameworks, such as REACH in Europe, require detailed information on thousands of chemical substances for safety and risk assessment .
Special Cases: Chemical Mixtures and Interactions
In real-world scenarios, people are often exposed to mixtures of chemical substances rather than single, pure chemicals. Examples include:
- Environmental pollutants: Air and water often contain mixtures of various chemical substances, such as heavy metals, organic pollutants, and particulates .
- Consumer products: Many household products are formulated from multiple chemical substances, such as detergents, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals 64.
Conclusion
Chemical substances encompass a wide range of materials, from simple elements and compounds like hydrogen and water to complex mixtures such as petroleum products and industrial solvents. Understanding these examples is essential for chemistry education, regulatory compliance, and assessing health and environmental impacts 12345678+1 MORE.
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