List of Chemical Compounds

Everyday life and scientific work both rely on a surprising variety of chemicals — in kitchens, gardens, factories and classrooms. A compact, well-organized list makes it easier to spot familiar substances, compare properties, and understand common uses without wading through dense technical texts.

There are 60 Chemical Compounds, ranging from Acetic acid to Zinc oxide. For each entry, you’ll find below Chemical formula,Molar mass (g/mol),Primary use or where found.

How should I handle items on this list if I want to study them at home or in class?

Treat the list as a reference, not instructions: check safety data sheets for hazards, use basic protective gear (gloves, eye protection), work with small amounts in a well-ventilated area, and never taste or inhale chemicals; for experiments follow vetted educational protocols or supervised labs.

How do I read the three columns for each compound?

The Chemical formula shows the elements and proportions, Molar mass (g/mol) gives the mass of one mole for calculations, and Primary use or where found explains typical applications or natural sources so you can quickly see why the compound matters.

Chemical Compounds

Images and Descriptions

Water

Essential polar solvent made of hydrogen and oxygen that supports life, moderates climate, and dissolves many substances. Water’s high heat capacity and surface tension make it central to biology, weather, industry, and everyday tasks like cleaning and cooking.

Sodium chloride

Common ionic salt of sodium and chloride ions used as seasoning and preservative. It regulates fluid balance in biology, melts ice on roads, and is a raw material in industry for producing chlorine and sodium hydroxide.

Carbon dioxide

Colorless gas produced by respiration, combustion, and fermentation. It is a key greenhouse gas, used to carbonate beverages, and is important in photosynthesis; elevated concentrations affect climate and indoor air quality.

Methane

Simple hydrocarbon and main component of natural gas. Methane is an efficient fuel and energy source but is a potent greenhouse gas when released into the atmosphere without combustion.

Ethanol

Common alcohol used in beverages, perfumes, fuels, and as an industrial solvent and disinfectant. Ethanol is miscible with water and combusts cleanly compared with many hydrocarbons, but it is intoxicating and flammable.

Acetone

Volatile, flammable solvent used in nail polish removers, paint thinners, and laboratory extractions. Acetone dissolves many plastics and organic compounds and evaporates rapidly, so ventilation and care are important.

Glucose

Simple sugar and primary fuel for cells in animals and many microbes. Glucose circulates in blood, is stored as glycogen, and is central to metabolism and food energy; it’s produced by photosynthesis in plants.

Sucrose

Common disaccharide sugar derived from plants like sugarcane and sugar beet. Sucrose is used as a sweetener, source of calories, and raw material for food processing and fermentation.

Ammonia

Small, pungent gas used to make fertilizers, cleaning agents, and industrial chemicals. Ammonia is a powerful base that dissolves in water, forming ammonium; it is toxic at high concentrations and corrosive when concentrated.

Sulfuric acid

Strong mineral acid used in battery electrolytes, fertilizer production, and many industrial processes. Sulfuric acid is highly corrosive and dehydrating, so handling requires protective equipment and strict safety measures.

Nitric acid

Strong oxidizing acid used to produce fertilizers, explosives precursors, and to nitrate organic compounds. Concentrated nitric acid is corrosive, produces toxic fumes, and reacts violently with reducing agents.

Hydrochloric acid

Solution of hydrogen chloride gas in water, used widely for pH adjustment, cleaning, and in chemical synthesis. Stomach acid contains HCl for digestion; concentrated forms are highly corrosive and produce pungent fumes.

Sodium bicarbonate

Mild base used in baking, as an antacid, and for gentle cleaning. Sodium bicarbonate buffers acids, releases CO2 when heated or acidified, and is a common household emergency remedy for minor spills.

Calcium carbonate

Widespread mineral-forming compound in rocks, shells, and bones. Calcium carbonate is used as an antacid, in cement and lime manufacture, paper filler, and agriculture for soil pH adjustment.

Magnesium sulfate

Salt of magnesium and sulfate used in agriculture, bath salts (Epsom), and some medical applications. It is a soluble source of magnesium, useful for loosening soils or as a laxative under medical guidance.

Potassium nitrate

Oxidizing salt historically used in fertilizers and gunpowder, and in fireworks and food curing. Potassium nitrate releases oxygen to support combustion and must be stored carefully away from organic materials.

Ammonium nitrate

Widely used nitrogen fertilizer composed of ammonium and nitrate ions. It can decompose violently under heat or contamination, so safe storage and regulation are important due to explosive potential.

Urea

Biologically produced nitrogen compound used as a major agricultural fertilizer and chemical feedstock. Urea stores nitrogen efficiently, is highly soluble, and is formed in mammals as a waste product of protein metabolism.

Nitrogen dioxide

Reddish-brown toxic gas produced by combustion engines and industrial processes. Nitrogen dioxide contributes to smog and respiratory irritation and reacts in the atmosphere to form nitric acid and particulates.

Carbon monoxide

Odorless, colorless gas produced by incomplete combustion. Carbon monoxide binds strongly to hemoglobin, preventing oxygen transport and causing poisoning; detectors and ventilation are critical for safety.

Benzene

A volatile aromatic hydrocarbon used as a precursor in producing polymers and chemicals. Benzene is carcinogenic with chronic exposure, so industrial handling follows strict exposure limits.

Toluene

A common solvent for paints, adhesives, and coatings derived from crude oil. Toluene is flammable and can affect the nervous system with prolonged exposure; it is also a chemical feedstock.

Phenol

A reactive aromatic compound used to make plastics and resins and historically as an antiseptic. Phenol is corrosive and toxic, requiring careful handling and protective measures in industrial use.

Acetic acid

Organic acid responsible for vinegar’s sour taste, used in food, chemical synthesis, and as a solvent. Acetic acid is miscible with water and widely used to make plastics, esters, and other chemicals.

Sodium hydroxide

Strong inorganic base used for pH adjustment, soap making, and industrial synthesis. Sodium hydroxide is highly caustic and can cause severe chemical burns, requiring proper protective equipment.

Potassium hydroxide

Powerful base used in soap making, electrolytes, and chemical synthesis. Like other strong bases, potassium hydroxide is corrosive and must be handled with caution.

Sodium carbonate

Alkaline salt used in glass manufacturing, laundry detergents, and water softening. Sodium carbonate helps remove grease and neutralize acids and has been used historically as a cleaning agent.

Sodium sulfate

Inorganic salt used in detergents, pulp and paper processing, and glassmaking. Sodium sulfate is generally nonhazardous and appears in industrial effluents and some natural evaporite deposits.

Hydrogen peroxide

Reactive oxygen-containing compound used for disinfecting, bleaching, and as an oxidizer in chemical reactions. Hydrogen peroxide decomposes to water and oxygen and can be corrosive or cause oxygen-rich fires at high concentrations.

Formaldehyde

Simple aldehyde used to produce resins, disinfectants, and as a tissue preservative. Formaldehyde is a volatile irritant and classified as a carcinogen with chronic exposure, so ventilation and limits are important.

Methanol

Simple alcohol used as a solvent, fuel, and chemical feedstock. Methanol is toxic when ingested, causing blindness or death; safe handling and labeling are critical in industrial and consumer contexts.

Aspirin

Acetylsalicylic acid used to relieve pain, reduce fever, and inhibit clotting in low doses. Aspirin is widely used but can cause stomach irritation and bleeding in susceptible individuals.

Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)

Common over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic used worldwide for pain and fever. Paracetamol is safe at recommended doses but can cause severe liver toxicity in overdoses.

Ibuprofen

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain, inflammation, and fever. Ibuprofen can irritate the stomach and affect kidney function when used long-term or in high doses.

Sodium hypochlorite

Active ingredient in many household bleaches and disinfectants. Sodium hypochlorite oxidizes and destroys microbes and stains but can release toxic chlorine gas if mixed with acids.

Silver nitrate

Inorganic silver salt used in analytical chemistry, wound cautery, and historically in photography. Silver nitrate stains skin and materials and is reactive with many organics and halides.

Calcium chloride

Hygroscopic salt used for de-icing, dust control, and as a drying agent. Calcium chloride generates heat when mixed with water and is used in concrete acceleration and food processing in controlled amounts.

Iron(III) oxide

Red-brown iron oxide formed by oxidation of iron. It is used as a pigment and is the major component of rust. Iron oxides are chemically stable and common in soils and industrial materials.

Copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate

Blue crystalline salt used in agriculture as a fungicide, in labs as a reagent, and sometimes to control aquatic vegetation. It is toxic to fish in excess and should be applied with care.

Sodium nitrate

Nitrate salt used historically as fertilizer and in food preservation. Sodium nitrate is an oxidizer and must be handled carefully around combustible materials; it also influences soil nitrogen cycles.

Lithium carbonate

Inorganic lithium salt used in psychiatric medicine and as a precursor in lithium-ion battery materials. It is an important industrial chemical with significant roles in energy storage and pharmacology.

Calcium phosphate

Inorganic phosphate salt critical to bone and teeth structure and used in fertilizers and food fortification. Calcium phosphate provides dietary calcium and phosphorus and is a key biomineral in vertebrates.

Phosphoric acid

Mineral acid used in fertilizers, cola drinks, and metal treatment. Phosphoric acid adjusts acidity and supplies phosphate ions; concentrated forms are corrosive, while dilute forms are common in foods.

Sulfur dioxide

Colorless gas produced by burning sulfur-containing fuels and used to preserve dried fruits and wines. Sulfur dioxide is a respiratory irritant and contributes to acid rain formation.

Ethylene glycol

Diol commonly used as automotive antifreeze and coolant. Ethylene glycol is sweet-tasting but toxic if ingested, causing kidney damage; denaturing and warnings are important in consumer products.

Propylene glycol

Less toxic diol used as a solvent in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Propylene glycol carries flavors and moisture and is used widely in consumer products with generally recognized safety at typical exposures.

Sodium lauryl sulfate

Anionic surfactant that helps remove oils and dirt, commonly used in detergents, shampoos, and toothpastes. It produces foam and can irritate sensitive skin or mucous membranes in some individuals.

Sodium acetate

Sodium salt of acetic acid used as a food preservative, buffer, and in heating packs. It moderates pH in chemical processes and is produced during vinegar neutralization or fermentation waste treatment.

Barium sulfate

Inert, highly insoluble sulfate used as an oral or rectal contrast agent for X-ray imaging of the digestive tract. Barium sulfate is dense and radiopaque but must be formulated for safe medical use.

Calcium hydroxide

Produced by hydrating quicklime, calcium hydroxide is used in mortar, water treatment, and soil stabilization. It is alkaline and can cause skin irritation or chemical burns if mishandled.

Hydrogen chloride

Gas of hydrogen and chlorine that dissolves readily in water to form hydrochloric acid. HCl gas is corrosive and irritating; aqueous solutions are widely used in industry for cleaning and pH control.

Hydrogen sulfide

Toxic, flammable gas with a characteristic rotten-egg odor produced in decomposition and some industrial processes. Hydrogen sulfide can cause respiratory distress and requires monitoring in confined spaces.

Sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate

Used to neutralize chlorine in water, fix photographic images, and treat some cyanide exposures. Sodium thiosulfate is a versatile reducing agent used in environmental and medical contexts.

Sodium sulfite

Inorganic sulfite used as a preservative and antioxidant in food and industrial processes. Sodium sulfite protects against oxidation but may cause sensitivity in sulfite-sensitive individuals.

Calcium sulfate

An inorganic sulfate used in plasters, drywall, and casting materials. Calcium sulfate sets by rehydration in some forms and provides a stable, inexpensive building material when processed appropriately.

Copper(II) chloride

Blue-green salt used as a catalyst, in wood preservation, and for producing pigments and chemistry reagents. Copper(II) chloride is toxic to aquatic life and should be managed to avoid environmental release.

Zinc oxide

White powder used in sunscreens, ointments, and as an additive in rubber and paints. Zinc oxide provides UV protection and antimicrobial properties and is relatively low in toxicity at typical uses.

Potassium chloride

Simple salt supplying potassium for fertilizers and medical electrolytes. Potassium chloride is used to treat low blood potassium and in agriculture to balance soil nutrients.

Lactic acid

Organic acid produced by fermentation and in muscle cells during anaerobic metabolism. Lactic acid flavors fermented foods and is used in cosmetics, cleaning, and food preservation.

Citric acid

Weak organic acid found in citrus fruits and used widely as a food acidulant, preservative, and chelating agent. Citric acid improves flavor, stabilizes beverages, and binds metal ions in formulations.

Other Compounds