Introduction

Chemistry is all around us—from the soap we use to the medicines we take. In NEET, questions based on Chemistry in Everyday Life are common in both organic and physical chemistry sections. Memorizing the formulas, chemical reactions, and applications helps students answer MCQs quickly and accurately.

Chemistry in everyday life focuses on medicines, food additives, cleansing agents, and chemical products that we encounter daily.

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♦ Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry ⇒ Download Now

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1. Medicines in Everyday Life

a. Analgesics (Painkillers)

• Used to relieve pain and inflammation.

• Example formulas:

  • Paracetamol: C₈H₉NO₂

  • Aspirin (Acetylsalicylic acid): C₉H₈O₄

b. Antibiotics

• Treat bacterial infections.

• Example formulas:

  • Penicillin: C₁₆H₁₈N₂O₄S

  • Tetracycline: C₂₂H₂₄N₂O₈

c. Antacids

• Neutralize stomach acid.

• Example formulas:

  • Sodium bicarbonate: NaHCO₃

  • Magnesium hydroxide: Mg(OH)₂

d. Vitamins

• Essential for growth and metabolism.

• Example: Vitamin C – Ascorbic acid: C₆H₈O₆

2. Chemicals in Food

a. Preservatives

• Prevent food spoilage.

• Example formulas:

  • Sodium benzoate: C₆H₅COONa

  • Sorbic acid: C₆H₈O₂

b. Artificial Sweeteners

• Used in low-calorie foods.

• Example formulas:

  • Saccharin: C₇H₅NO₃S

  • Aspartame: C₁₄H₁₈N₂O₅

c. Antioxidants

• Prevent oxidation of food.

• Example formulas:

  • BHT (Butylated hydroxytoluene): C₁₅H₂₄O

  • Vitamin E (Tocopherol): C₂₉H₅₀O₂

3. Cleansing Agents

a. Soaps

• Sodium or potassium salts of fatty acids.

• General formula: RCOONa (sodium soap)

b. Detergents

• Sulfonates or sulfates used in hard water.

• Example formulas:

  • Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS): C₁₂H₂₅SO₄Na

  • Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS): C₆H₅C₁₂H₂₅SO₃Na

c. Toothpaste Ingredients

• Remove plaque and prevent decay.

• Common chemicals:

  • Fluoride compounds: NaF, SnF₂

  • Abrasives: CaCO₃, SiO₂

4. Chemicals in Cosmetics

a. Perfumes

• Esters and aromatic compounds.

• Example: Ethyl acetate – C₄H₈O₂

b. Hair Dyes

• Contain aromatic amines.

• Example: p-Phenylenediamine – C₆H₈N₂

c. Sunscreens

• UV protection agents.

• Example: Octyl methoxycinnamate – C₁₈H₂₆O₃

5. Preservatives and Polymers in Daily Life

a. Polymers

• Used in packaging, bottles, and utensils.

• Common polymers:

  • Polyethylene (PE): –(CH₂–CH₂)–ₙ

  • Polypropylene (PP): –(CH₂–CH(CH₃))–ₙ

  • Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): –(CH₂–CHCl)–ₙ

b. Food Packaging

• Polymers prevent spoilage and chemical reactions.

• Example: PET bottles (Polyethylene terephthalate)

6. Pesticides and Insecticides

a. Common Pesticides

• Protect crops from pests.

• Example formulas:

  • Malathion: C₁₀H₁₉O₆PS₂

  • DDT: C₁₄H₉Cl₅

b. Fungicides and Herbicides

• Prevent fungal growth and unwanted plants.

• Example: Copper sulfate (CuSO₄·5H₂O)

7. NEET Important Tips – Chemistry in Everyday Life

1. Focus on formulas of common drugs: Paracetamol, Aspirin, Penicillin.

2. Remember monomers and polymers for plastics and packaging.

3. Link chemicals with their daily use: Soap = RCOONa, Detergent = LAS.

4. Revision with tables and charts improves memory recall.

5. Practice previous NEET questions; most ask applications rather than reactions.

Conclusion

Chemistry in everyday life is directly connected to human daily activities, making it an interesting and high-scoring section in NEET. Memorizing formulas, applications, and reactions will not only help in MCQs but also in numerical problems and reasoning-based questions.

By following this guide from StudentBro.in, students can quickly revise formulas, chemicals, and their real-life applications, making preparation efficient and effective.

Remember: Understanding the practical use of chemicals and their formulas makes NEET preparation easier and more fun.