• Question: How do you make your own molecules?

    Asked by Gibbo to Nicholas on 9 Nov 2015.
    • Photo: Nicholas Pearce

      Nicholas Pearce answered on 9 Nov 2015:

      Hello again,

      Making molecules is a lot like baking a cake – once I’ve decided what molecule to try and make, I’ll try and search for the recipe (instructions for how to make it). I’ll then look for the ingredients the recipe says I need- usually these are simpler molecules and substances that will react together to make the new molecule. We have a whole room to store tubs of these chemicals. Then it’s just a case of following the recipe!
      Sometimes I can’t find a recipe, then I’ll have to develop one myself by experimenting, just like a chef might do to create a new dish.

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