Molecules that Changed the World: Table Sugar, Ethanol, Aspirin, and Ammonia by Lopez-Saucedo, Felipe;

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Many of the substances we rely on daily go unnoticed and sometimes their availability is taken for granted. Yet behind each one lies a complex history of discovery, production, and global impact. Throughout history, humans have exploited natural resources and modified their environment to enhance their quality of life, a feature that sets them apart from other forms of life. As a result, human progress has been relentless, from the invention of the wheel to the development of engines, satellites, and computers. Like engineering, inventions in chemistry have followed an upward trajectory. Sugar, ethanol, aspirin, and ammonia exemplify humanity's mastery over elements to solve food and health issues. The elucidation of quantum mechanics, the establishment of theories of chemical bonding, and the developments in computational chemistry have deepened our understanding of the matter. At the same time, advanced instrumental techniques have enabled detailed analyses of molecular structures. These advances have driven progress in medicine, agriculture, and energy, yielding items we use day by day. Looking ahead, the role of chemistry is clear: driving innovation while mitigating the ecological damage caused by past activities. This way, humanity must ensure that future generations inherit a habitable planet by improving processes and prioritizing sustainability for the sake of the common good. This book explores four essential yet often overlooked molecules: table sugar, ethanol, aspirin, and ammonia, examining their chemical nature, background, and economic and social significance. Through a blend of science and storytelling, readers will uncover how these substances have shaped industries, medicine, and even our way of life. Finally, this book invites readers to imagine a world without these compounds, fostering a deeper appreciation for the power of material transformation.