AllChemE Report: "Chemistry - Europe & the Future" - Graphical version
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biomimetics
Biomimetic chemistry is the field of experimental simulation or modelling of biological
simulations in which chemists try to mimic the complex systems found in nature using less
complicated artificial systems
chiral
Possessing 'handedness'; that is, existing in right- and left-handed forms. Chiral
molecules are not superimposable on their mirror images
colloid
Colloidal systems are stable dispersions of microscopic solid particles (ca. 1µm) in
fluids
enantiomer
Two stereoisomers which differ only in the direction in which they rotate polarised light
functional material
Functional materials have an in-built special effect with physical responses to external
forces, for instance light emission on the application of pressure. Compare with
structural material
heterogenous catalysis
In heterogenous catalysis, the reagents combine and transform at the interface between the
gas or liquid and the surface of the catalyst. Compare with homogenous catalysis
homogenous catalysis
In homogenous catalysis, the catalysts is dissolved in a liquid. Compare with heterogenous
catalysis
mesoporous solid
New robust solid with hollow channels, the dimensions of which can be controlled in the
molecular assembly process,with many uses in heterogeneous catalysis
receptor
A tissue or cell which is sensitive to a specific stimulus
stereoisomer
Stereoisomers are molecules which differ only in the three-dimensional arrangement of
their constituent atoms
stereoselectivity
Processes which are able to distinguish between stereoisomers are said to be
stereospecific
stratosphere
That portion of the atmosphere above the troposphere
structural material
Structural materials are essentially substances designed to have specific structural
purposes for construction. Compare with functional material
troposphere
The layer of atmospheric air extending upwards about 11 km (seven miles) from the surface
of the earth; essentially, the air we breathe
A NOTE ON SIZES
When discussing units of length, micrometres and nanometres are now used in preference to
microns and angstroms. One angstrom (1Å) is equal to 0.1 nanometre.
micrometre -
Formerly called a micron, and equivalent to 1x10-6 of a metre. Abbreviated µm.
nanometre -
1x10-9 of a metre. Abbreviated nm.