Hydrogen fluoride (HF) is a highly useful yet dangerous chemical compound. Its colourless gaseous form is accompanied by a sharp odour and the ability to be highly toxic and corrosive. Its primary function emerges when it dissolves in water, forming hydrofluoric acid,...
Chlorine (Cl2) and chlorine dioxide (ClO2) are gases with a powerful oxidising capacity, which is why they are mainly used as disinfectants and bleaching agents. Chlorine has been used for more than a century in water purification and in the production of plastics,...
Non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) are chemical substances that remain in a gaseous state at room temperature and belong to the group of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Within this large family of compounds, NMHCs are among the most chemically reactive and take part...
Invisible yet powerful: ammonia (NH3) is a colourless gas which, although naturally present in the atmosphere in small amounts, can become an unwelcome enemy when released into the air, causing intense irritation to the eyes, throat and skin. However, far from being...
What is hydrogen cyanide (HCN) It would be impossible to enjoy ubiquitous plastics, the control function of pesticides, or extract precious metals without hydrogen cyanide (HCN). A colourless and highly volatile gas, as toxic as it is essential for industry. The...