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Cellulose: From Trees to Explosives

Reactions is a show that uncovers the chemistry all around us. We answer the burning questions you’ve always wanted to ask, blending the worlds of science and every-day life.

Cellulose: From Trees to Explosives

Season 6 Episode 15 | 12m 31s

Cellulose is everywhere. In fact, it is the most abundant organic molecule on the Earth! It’s in (but not limited to) our food, clothing, and plastics, and the cellulose compound nitrocellulose is used in explosives but also in things like x-rays, early silent films and nail polish. In this episode, we get into how this tiny molecule holds up so much of our modern world.

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