"Explain why a scientist must be cautious when a new chemical that has many potential uses is synthesized."
2006-09-11 12:21:38 · 5 answers · asked by labiba_saysz 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
If one is too "enthusiastic" about this important new compound, it can skew their interpretation of test results, and result in either deliberate or inadvertent scientific fraud. I think here of such scientific "revelations" that later turn out to be so much hype as "cold fusion", and any number of newly synthesized compounds that "could be the cure for cancer".
Due to the incorrect test results, the compound might then be used in ways that later turn out to be detrimental. A good example is thalidomide -- a great nausea reliever for pregnant women, but it turned out to have horrific side effects in the devlopment of the fetus, resulting in horrid birth defects.
2006-09-11 14:32:27 · answer #1 · answered by Dave_Stark 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Using a synthesized a chemical can result in a different chemical reaction if tested using the same criteria as would be used with the (original) chemical. The outcome of which could be potentially hazardous.
2006-09-11 14:25:56 · answer #2 · answered by tampico 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
how about purity of the product or racemic mixture, which of the isomers is the active one, which one can be harmful, just to mention a few.
2006-09-11 12:29:49 · answer #3 · answered by Natasha B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well if a gas is created it may be toxic to which it is mixing with
2006-09-11 14:18:07 · answer #4 · answered by Nostradamus 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be used for "bad" things, such as weapons and stuff... it could be stolen... and it could explode.
2006-09-11 12:29:18 · answer #5 · answered by anonymously me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋