Overview
Elements combine in various ways, leading to a large number of compounds that exhibit a remarkable variety of properties. Today, pioneering researchers explore these properties in order to make compounds that are smaller, stronger, and more adaptable than ever before. CHEMISTRY examines the explorers who venture into the unknown frontiers of this scientific field and the materials they find that exhibit remarkable or useful properties. Some of these materials consist of large molecules that can cure diseases, while others comprise motors or machines so small they are made of only a few atoms. Each chapter explores one of these frontiers. Reports published in journals, presented at conferences, and described in press releases illustrate research problems of interest in chemistry, and how scientists attempt to solve them. Summarizing a selection of these reports, this volume offers students valuable insight into the methods and applications of chemistry.
