Chapter 13 - Connections to Organic Chemistry

Abstract

This chapter deals with several issues related to organic reactions and classes of organic compounds. The issues are provided with the chemical basics and chemical details. One of the issues dealt with is the elimination of skunk odor. To deodorize a pet sprayed by a skunk, the noxious compound must be converted to an odorless one. By a chemical conversion of a thiol to another class of compound, the disagreeable skunk scent can be removed. Another issue dealt with is the thief detection powder. These powders are designed to apply to the surface of an object likely to be stolen such as cashboxes, cash, or sensitive documents. Alternatively, the powder may be applied to doorknobs or tools to detect entry or use. When the powder comes in contact with the skin, a reagent in the powder reacts with the body's amino acids to create a highly visible long-lasting purple-colored stain. While the stain will not immediately wash off the skin, the color will gradually rub off after about a day. Increasingly law enforcement agencies, banks, businesses, corporate offices, and concerned citizens are using detection powders to trap thieves.