Elaine Ong

Category: Food and nutritional SupplementsProduct: L’il Critters Gummy Vites (Nutritional/Vitamin Supplements)

Compound (1) Name: dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetatePhoto:

Molecular Formula: C31H52O3Organic or inorganic: Organic; because it contains carbonMolecular Structure:

Summary about the compound including relevant orinteresting information: DL-alpha tocopheryl acetate is a supplemental form of a type of vitamin E called alpha-tocopherol. Several other types of vitamin E exist, but the human body primarily uses alpha-tocopherol to meet its needs for this vitamin. Functions of alpha-tocopherol in your body include protecting your cells from damaging particles called free radicals and lowering your chances for developing clots in your blood vessels.

Compound (2)Name: calcium d-pantothenate Photo:

Molecular Formula: C18H32N2O10CaOrganic or inorganic: Organic; it contains CarbonMolecular Structure:

Summary about the compound including relevant orinteresting information: Calcium D-pantothenate, also referred to as vitamin B-5 or pantothenic acid, is an essential nutrient your body uses to generate energy by breaking down carbohydrates and fats. Adults should consume at least 5 mg of calcium D-pantothenate each day to maintain a healthy body, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you have trouble getting enough of this B-5 vitamin from your diet, your doctor may recommend treatment with a calcium D-pantothenate supplement. Pantothenic acid has a long list of uses, although there isn’t enough scientific evidence to determine whether it is effective for most of these uses. People take pantothenic acid for treating dietary deficiencies, acne, alcoholism, allergies, baldness, asthma, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, burning feet syndrome, yeast infections, heart failure, carpal tunnel syndrome, respiratory disorders, celiac disease, colitis, conjunctivitis, convulsions, and cystitis. It is also taken by mouth for dandruff, depression, diabetic nerve pain, enhancing immune function, improving athletic performance, tongue infections, gray hair, headache, hyperactivity, low blood sugar, trouble sleeping (insomnia), irritability, low blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, muscular cramps in the legs associated with pregnancy or alcoholism, neuralgia, and obesity.

Compound (3): Name: cyanocobalaminPhoto:

Molecular Formula: C63H88C0N14O14POrganic or inorganic: Organic; because it contains CarbonMolecular Structure:

Summary about the compound including relevant orinteresting information: Cyanocobalamin is indicated for Vitamin B12 deficiencies due to malabsorption which may be associated with the following conditions: Addisonian (pernicious) anemia Gastrointestinal pathology, dysfunction, or surgery, including gluten enteropathy or sprue, small bowel bacterial overgrowth, total or partial gastrectomy Fish tapeworm infestation Malignancy of pancreas or bowel Folic acid deficiencyIt may be possible to treat the underlying disease by surgical correction of anatomic lesions leading to small bowel bacterial overgrowth, expulsion of fish tapeworm, discontinuation of drugs leading to vitamin malabsorption, use of a gluten-free diet in nontropical sprue, or administration of antibiotics in tropical sprue. Such measures remove the need for long-term administration of Cyanocobalamin.Requirements of Vitamin B12 in excess of normal (due to pregnancy, thyrotoxicosis, hemolytic anemia, hemorrhage, malignancy, hepatic and renal disease) can usually be met with oral supplementation.

Compound (4)Name: cholecalciferolPhoto

Molecular Formula: C27H44OOrganic or inorganic: Organic; because it contains carbonMolecular Structure:

Summary about the compound including relevant orinteresting information: Cholecalciferol is a vitamin D3. Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body.Cholecalciferol is used to treat or prevent many conditions caused by a lack of vitamin D, especially conditions of the skin or bones.

Compound (5)Name: BiotinPhoto

Molecular Formula: C10H16N2O3SOrganic or inorganic: Organic; because it contains CarbonMolecular Structure

Summary about the compound including relevant orinteresting information: Biotin is a B vitamin involved in the production of energy. Available in supplement form and found naturally in a number of foods, biotin is essential for the formation of fatty acids and blood sugar (also called glucose). Sometimes referred to as "vitamin H," biotin aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins as well. Biotin is a vitamin that is found in small amounts in numerous foods. Biotin is used for preventing and treating biotin deficiency associated with pregnancy, long-term tube feeding, malnutrition, and rapid weight loss. It is also used orally for hair loss, brittle nails, skin rash in infants (seborrheic dermatitis), diabetes, and mild depression.

Category: Healthcare and medicinal productsProduct: Robitussin Peak Cold Cough + Chest Congestion DM, Maximum Strength

Compound (1)Name: carboxymethyl cellulosePhoto

Molecular Formula: C6H7O2(OH)2CH2COONaOrganic or inorganic: Organic; because it contains carbonMolecular Structure:

Summary about the compound including relevant orinteresting information: Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) or cellulose gum is a cellulose derivative with carboxymethyl groups (-CH2-COOH) bound to some of the hydroxylgroups of the glucopyranose monomers that make up the cellulose backbone. It is often used as its sodium salt, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. CMC is used in food science as a viscosity modifier or thickener, and to stabilize emulsions in various products including ice cream. As a food additive, it has E number E466. It is also a constituent of many non-food products, such as personal lubricants, toothpaste, laxatives, diet pills, water-based paints,detergents,

textile sizing, and various paper products. It is used primarily because it has high viscosity, is nontoxic, and is hypoallergenic (except for those suffering an intolerance to wheat). In laundry detergents, it is used as a soil suspension polymer designed to deposit onto cotton and other cellulosic fabrics, creating a negatively charged barrier to soils in the wash solution. CMC is used as a lubricant in nonvolatile eye drops (artificial tears). Sometimes, methyl cellulose (MC) is used, but its nonpolar methyl groups (-CH3) do not add any solubility or chemical reactivity to the base cellulose.

Compound (2)Name: Xanthan gumPhoto

Molecular Formula: C35H49O29

Organic or inorganic: Organic; because it contains CarbonMolecular Structure:

Summary about the compound including relevant orinteresting information: Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide secreted by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris, used as a food additive and rheology-modifier, commonly used as a food thickening agent (in salad dressings, for example) and a stabilizer (in cosmetic products, for example, to prevent ingredients from separating). It is produced by the fermentation of glucose, sucrose, or lactose. After a fermentation period, the polysaccharide is precipitated from a growth medium with isopropyl alcohol, dried, and ground into a fine powder. Later, it is added to a liquid medium to form the gum.

Compound (3)Name: Guaifenesin Photo

Molecular Formula: C10H14O4Organic or inorganic: Organic; because it contains carbonMolecular Structure:

Summary about the compound including relevant orinteresting information: Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It helps loosen congestion in your chest and throat, making it easier to cough out through your mouth.Guaifenesin is used to reduce chest congestion caused by the common cold, infections, or allergies. On March 2, 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued

a safety alert about certain unapproved prescription cough, cold, and allergy products containing this drug in combination with other drugs. These products are not currently approved by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, and quality. FDA asked drug companies to stop shipping most of these products for sale in the US within the next 6 months. Although some of these products have been marketed for many years, laws about what a company must prove to FDA for drug product approval have gotten tougher and increased enforcement of these laws is now taking place. The FDA took this action due to concerns about certain potential risks associated with use of these medications. These risks may include:

● the possibility of improper use in infants and young children

● potentially risky combinations of ingredients

● patients receiving too much or too little of the medication because of problems with the way some ''timed-release'' products are made

Compound (4)Name: Propylene glycol Photo

Molecular Formula: C3H5OOrganic or inorganic: Organic; because it contains CarbonMolecular Structure:

Summary about the compound including relevant orinteresting information: Propylene glycol is a synthetic liquid substance that absorbs water. Propylene glycol is also used to make polyester compounds, and as a base for deicing solutions. Propylene glycol is used by the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries as an antifreeze when leakage might lead to contact with food. The Food and Drug

Administration (FDA) has classified propylene glycol as an additive that is “generally recognized as safe” for use in food. It is used to absorb extra water and maintain moisture in certain medicines, cosmetics, or food products. It is a solvent for food colors and flavors, and in the paint and plastics industries. Propylene glycol is also used to create artificial smoke or fog used in fire-fighting training and in theatrical productions. It may exist in air in the vapor form, although propylene glycol must be heated or briskly shaken to produce a vapor. Propylene glycol is practically odorless and tasteless.

Compound (5)Name: Dextromethorphan Photo:

Molecular Formula: C18H25NO.HBr.H2OOrganic or inorganic: Organic; because it contains carbonMolecular Structure:

Summary about the compound including relevant or

interesting information: Dextromethorphan is used to temporarily relieve cough caused by the common cold, the flu, or other conditions. Dextromethorphan will relieve a cough but will not treat the cause of the cough or speed recovery. Dextromethorphan is in a class of medications called antitussives. It works by decreasing activity in the part of the brain that causes coughing.

Category: Personal hygiene and cleaning productsProduct: TRESemme Moisture Rich Luxurious Moisture Conditioner

Compound (1)Name: CyclohexasiloxanePhoto

Molecular Formula: C12H36O6Si6Organic or inorganic: Organic; because it contains carbonMolecular Structure:

Summary about the compound including relevant orinteresting information: Primarily works as a skin conditioning agent and emollient. Like all other silicones, this ingredient has a unique fluidity that makes it easily spreadable. When applied to the skin, it gives a silky & slippery feeling to the touch and acts a mild water repellent by forming a protective barrier on the skin. It can also fill in fine lines/wrinkles, giving the face a temporary “plump” look.

Compound (2)Name: PanthenolPhoto

Molecular Formula: C9H19NO4Organic or inorganic: Organic; because it contains carbonMolecular Structure

Summary about the compound including relevant orinteresting information: Panthenol is a derivative of Vitamin B5, and it is often referred to as "pro-vitamin B5." This derivative is widely used within the cosmetics industry for a variety of reasons. When isolated, panthenol is a liquid that is somewhat transparent, though this liquid dissolves when mixed with certain alcohols and water, which is why it is a preferred cosmetics additive. There are many different uses for panthenol within the cosmetics industry, though it is most commonly added to shampoos and conditioners.When shampoo or conditioner containing pro-vitamin B5 are applied to hair, it leaves behind a thick transparent residue. Since this residue actually coats the hair, the result is shiny hair. Essentially, this form of Vitamin B5 acts as a type of lubricant for the hair, though it does not thicken or strengthen hair. Panthenol is also frequently added to various ointments and creams, since it can soothe the skin reducing the effects of sunburn, dry skin, and certain skin disorders.Once a product containing panthenol has been applied to the skin, the skin will absorb this additive thoroughly. As soon as the skin has completely absorbed this derivative, it is then turned into Vitamin B5. Thus, using products that contain panthenol is not bad for the skin. In fact, this Vitamin B5 derivative can even be ingested without harm, though this is not recommended.

Compound (3)Name: Niacinamide Photo

Molecular Formula: C6H6N2OOrganic or inorganic: Organic; because it contains carbonMolecular Structure

Summary about the compound including relevant orinteresting information: Nicotinamide, also known as niacinamide and nicotinic acid amide, is the amide of nicotinic acid (vitamin B3 / niacin). Nicotinamide is a water-soluble vitamin and is part of the vitamin B group. Nicotinamide has demonstrated anti-inflammatory actions that may be of benefit to patients with inflammatory skin conditions. Niacin and niacinamide are forms of Vitamin B3. Vitamin B3 is found in many foods including yeast, meat, fish, milk, eggs, green vegetables, beans, and cereal grains. Niacin or niacinamide is used for preventing vitamin B3 deficiency and related conditions such as pellagra. Each of these forms of vitamin B3 is used for schizophrenia, hallucinations due to drugs, Alzheimer’s disease and age-related loss of thinking skills, chronic brain syndrome, depression, motion sickness, alcohol dependence, and fluid collection (edema).

Compound (4)Name: Cetyl Alcohol Photo

Molecular Formula: C16H34O.Organic or inorganic: Organic; because it contains carbonMolecular Structure

Summary about the compound including relevant orinteresting information: It comes in the form of a white, waxy solid. It's no longer derived from whale sperm oil (where it was originally discovered) seeing how whales are now an endangered species. Works as an emollient, emulsifier, thickener and carrying agent for other ingredients contained in a cosmetic solution. It keeps the oil and water parts of an emulsion from separating, and gives products good spreadability. As a thickening agent and surfactant, it helps alter the viscosity and increase the foaming capacity of non-aqueous (i.e. lotions) and aqueous solutions (i.e. shampoo). It is often misinterpreted as an "alcohol" related to ethyl or rubbing alcohol, both of which can be extremely drying to the skin. The truth, in fact, is quite the opposite, ascetyl alcohol is well known to effectively condition and soften the skin and hair. Because of its multi-functional capabilities, this ingredient is used in a wide range of personal care products such as moisturizer, face cream, shampoo/conditioner, anti-aging treatment, hair dye, sunscreen, cleanser and lipstick.

Compound (5)Name: Tocopheryl acetate Photo

Molecular Formula: C31H52O3

Organic or inorganic: Organic; because it contains carbonMolecular Structure

Summary about the compound including relevant orinteresting information: Tocopheryl acetate, also known as vitamin E acetate, is a common vitamin supplement with the molecular formula C31H52O3 (for 'α' form). It is the ester of acetic acid and tocopherol (vitamin E). It is often used in dermatological products such as skin creams. Tocopheryl acetate is not oxidized and can penetrate through the skin to the living cells, where about 5% is converted to free tocopherol and provides beneficial antioxidant effects

There are many different chemical compounds in the daily products we have in our

households. Many of the ingredients in the products I chose had names that I could not even pronounce, but after looking up the chemical formulas and molecular structures for those ingredients, I could start to see how those ingredients had attained the names based on the chemical makeup. I also noticed that most, if not all, of the chemical compounds I chose contained carbon, making it an organic molecule. This was a bit surprising to me, as an abundance of companies often market their products by telling the public that they use organic ingredients. It was interesting to see how certain chemicals in one product category was also included in another product from another category (i.e. biotin). A few of the chemical compounds mentioned were actually quite harmful to the human body, especially if overused/overdosed. Furthermore, I found it interesting out how certain chemical compounds work. For example, Dextromethorphan is used in cough medicines, because it works by decreasing the activity of the part of the brain that controls coughing. I thought it simply acted as something of an anesthetic for the throat.

R eferences:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez/

http://www.chemicalbook.com/ProductIndex_EN.aspx

http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

http://www.livestrong.com

http://www.drugs.com

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginformation.html

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/

http://www.truthinaging.com

http://www.newdruginfo.com