In focus: Colchicine

Colchicine is a naturally occurring alkaloid obtained primarily from the autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) and related species. It has been used in medicine for centuries, especially for the treatment of gout and Familial Mediterranean Fever. In modern medicine, Colchicine is valued also in conditions like pericarditis, Behçet’s disease, and certain dermatological and cardiac disorders.

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In focus: 1-Butylimidazole

1-Butylimidazole is a versatile organic heterocyclic compound belonging to the imidazole family, where a butyl group (–CH₂–CH₂–CH₂–CH₃) is attached to the nitrogen atom at the 1-position of the imidazole ring. Its applications span organic synthesis, materials science, and bioactive compound development due to its tunable physicochemical properties and structural versatility.

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US-India Tariffs Updates

Donald Trump’s tariffs of 50% have come into force on most US imports from India. India’s giant generic pharmaceuticals sector and its electronics and petroleum products are exempt from the tariffs. Aluminium, steel and copper remain at 25%, but job-heavy sectors such as textiles, jewellery, seafood and leather are squarely in the line of fire.

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ECHA publishes updated PFAS restriction proposal

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published the updated proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the EU’s chemicals regulation, REACH. The update has been prepared by the authorities from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, who submitted the initial proposal in January 2023.

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In focus: Atropine Sulfate, monohydrate

Atropine sulfate monohydrate is a chemical compound, specifically a salt of atropine and sulfuric acid, with one water molecule (monohydrate) attached. It is commonly used as a medication and in research due to its anticholinergic properties, meaning it blocks the effects of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors.

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In focus: 4-Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA)

4-Aminobenzoic acid, commonly abbreviated as PABA, is an aromatic amine and carboxylic acid compound. It consists of a benzene ring substituted with an amino group (–NH₂) in the para position to a carboxylic acid group (–COOH).

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In focus: 2-Amino-5-Nitrophenol

2-Amino-5-Nitrophenol (5-NAP) is an organic compound with the molecular formula C₆H₆N₂O₃. It is a substituted phenol with both an amino group (-NH₂) and a nitro group (-NO₂) attached to a benzene ring, along with a hydroxyl group (-OH).

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In focus: Pongamol Extract

Pongamol is a naturally occurring flavonoid primarily extracted from the seeds and leaves of the Pongamia pinnata tree (also known as Karanja tree), native to South and Southeast Asia. It is a cream-colored compound that belongs to the flavonoid family and is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pesticidal properties. It is one of the key bioactive constituents of Pongamia oil.

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European chemical industry laments 15% US tariff

Most chemicals exported from the 27 member countries of the European Union into the US will be subject to a 15% tariff on top of their selling prices under an agreement signed on July 27 between the US and the European Commission.

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In focus: Biobased Ethyl Acetate

Biobased Ethyl Acetate is an environmentally friendly solvent made from renewable sources like bioethanol extracted from sugarcane, corn, and other forms of biomass. Unlike traditional ethyl acetate, which is typically derived from fossil fuels, this green alternative shares the same chemical structure (C₄H₈O₂) and functional performance—offering comparable versatility with a significantly lower environmental footprint.

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In focus: Palmitoyl Chloride

Palmitoyl chloride is a long-chain fatty acid derivative. It is the acid chloride form of palmitic acid; a saturated fatty acid commonly found in palm oil and other natural fats. It appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a sharp odour and is highly reactive, especially toward water, alcohols, and amines.

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In focus: Lycopene

Fungal Lycopene is an acyclic carotene belonging to a large group of naturally-occurring pigments known as carotenoids. It contains at least 90% of all-trans-lycopene and minor quantities of 13-cis-lycopene and β- and γ-carotene. It is used as an intermediate in the biosynthetic pathway of β-carotene. Its role in the pharmaceutical and food industries stems from its demonstrated health benefits—such as anticancer and cardiovascular protection—alongside its widespread use as a natural food colorant.

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