13.1 Synthesis and Developing of new materials
What is Material Science?
Material Science is the scientific study of the properties and applications of materials used for construction or manufacture.
What is an alkaloid?
An alkaloid is a naturally occurring organic compound found mainly in plants.
Why is drug discovery and development considered a long and expensive process?
Drug discovery and development involve many stages of research, testing, and safety checks. Scientists must identify targets, test compounds in laboratories and animals, and conduct clinical trials on humans before a drug can be approved.
What is the maximum size (in nm) for a nanomaterial, and what is the specific geometric shape of a Fullerene C60 molecule?
The size is up to 100 nm. The shape of C60 is a truncated icosahedron.
Question: What is one reason why scientists develop new polymers instead of just using natural materials like wood or metal?
They develop them because natural resources are limited and polymers can be "tailor-made" to have specific properties (like being lighter or more durable) that natural materials lack.
Why is graphene called the material of the future?
Because graphene is stronger, thinner, flexible, transparent, highly conductive, and impermeable to most gases and liquids.
What are the uses of aspirin?
Aspirin is used to relieve pain, reduce fever, and decrease inflammation. Low doses can also reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Describe the main steps in the synthesis of aspirin
Aspirin synthesis begins with petroleum, which is refined to produce benzene. Benzene is converted into sodium phenolate, which reacts with carbon dioxide to form salicylic acid. Finally, salicylic acid reacts with acetic anhydride to produce aspirin.
Why are gold nanoparticles important in scientific and technological research?
Gold nanoparticles are important because they are used in medicine, electronics, and chemical research. They have special optical and chemical properties that make them useful in advanced technologies.
Looking at the reference table, which specific material would be the best choice for making a suitcase or a greenhouse, and why?
Polycarbonates. They are ideal because they are high strength, heat resistant, and transparent.
What are carbon nanotubes used for?
Carbon nanotubes are used in nanotechnology, electronics, optics, and other fields of materials science.
How does Taxol (Paclitaxel) help treat cancer?
Taxol binds to tubulin, a protein involved in the formation of microtubules
What role do genomics and bioinformatics play in drug discovery?
Genomics helps scientists study genes related to diseases, while bioinformatics helps analyze large amounts of biological data. Together, they help researchers identify drug targets and design new medicines more effectively.
How does the absence of structural defects in nanomaterials change their mechanical properties?
It leads to an increase in hardness and yield strength.
Explain the difference between a standard polymer and a composite material.
A polymer is usually a single substance, while a composite material is a "super material" made by combining two or more different substances to get the best qualities of both.
What is aerogel made of mostly?
About 97% of the volume of aerogel is composed of air.
Where is caffeine commonly found?
Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and soft drinks.
Why are animal studies and clinical trials important before a drug is sold?
Animal studies and clinical trials help determine whether a drug is safe and effective. They allow scientists to study side effects, correct dosage, and how the drug works in living organisms before it is used by the public.
Why do small metal nanoparticles behave like semiconductors instead of conductors?
This happens due to the limited number of free electrons at the nanoscale and quantum-size effects.
If you were designing a high-traffic industrial floor that needs to stick firmly to concrete, which material would you use and why?
Sadurite. It is based on epoxy and phenol-formaldehyde resins and is specifically used for heavy-duty flooring because of its strong adhesion (ability to stick) to concrete.
What can graphene aerogel absorb?
Graphene aerogel can absorb more than 850 times its own weight.
What are neurotransmitters?
Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals between nerve cells.
How does salicylic acid become aspirin during the synthesis process?
Salicylic acid reacts with acetic anhydride in the presence of an acid catalyst, such as sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid. This reaction produces acetylsalicylic acid, which is commonly known as aspirin.
What role does sp2 hybridization play in making graphene 200 times stronger than steel and an excellent conductor?
It creates a hexagonal lattice with strong σ-bonds for durability and delocalized π-bonds for high electrical conductivity.
How does the integration of nanotechnology change the potential uses of modern polymers? Give an example of a new property
Nanotechnology allows scientists to create materials with "previously unattainable properties." An example would be creating self-healing surfaces or materials with extreme heat resistance.