In focus: Benzyl Nicotinate

Benzyl nicotinate has a role as a vasodilator agent and is also generally used in cosmetics and drugs. It is an active substance from the group of rubefacients that stimulates blood circulation. Also used in veterinary as well as in human medicines.

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In focus: 2-Methylimidazole

2-Methylimidazole is a monomethylated imidazole that can be used as a building block in synthesis of a wide range of biologically active compounds. Synthesized through Radziszewski reaction involving acetaldehyde, glyoxal, and ammonia, it is a sterically hindered imidazole that is used to simulate the coordination of histidine to heme complexes. It is is highly soluble in polar organic solvents and water.

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Blood test can detect more than 50 types of cancer

Researchers have developed a blood test able to detect more than 50 types of cancer that is accurate enough to be used nationally as a multi-cancer screening test in those at higher risk of the disease, including those aged over 50 with no symptoms.

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In focus: Metallic Stearates

Metallic stearates are esters of stearic acid. These compounds consist of both long-chain fatty acids and a metal ion. Their various characteristics, such as metal content and particle size, can be manipulated for different markets and applications.

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Global supply chains buckle as virus variant and disasters strike

A number of recent events such as a new worldwide wave of COVID-19, natural disasters in China and Germany, a cyber attack targeting key South African ports have conspired to drive global supply chains towards breaking point, threatening the fragile flow of raw materials, parts and consumer goods, according to companies, economists and shipping specialists.

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In focus: Permethrin

Permethrin is an insecticide in the pyrethroid chemical family. Being a neurotoxic synthetic pyrethroid, it acts on the nervous system of insects. It interferes with sodium channels to disrupt the function of neurons and causes muscles to spasm, culminating in paralysis and death of arthropod. It affects sodium transport across the neuronal membranes in arthropods, thus causing depolarization. It is a mixture of a cis -trans isomer.

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In focus: Acetonitrile

Acetonitrile (ACN) is a highly polar, volatile, colorless liquid with ethereal odor and is the simplest organic nitrile widely used as a solvent.

The nitrile group constitutes active part of the molecule. It participates in various reactions that lead to number of nitrogen containing organic molecules.

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