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Silver is one of the power three of precious metals. It may not have the glamour of gold or the purchase power of platinum, but it is a premier league metal. Possibly more so today than ever before, as it has been predicted that by the year 2018 its price will increase by a staggering 27%. This might make it of great interest for investors, but may have others wondering, “Why should we care about a metal that is inferior in so many ways?”

Well, primarily because it is a highly versatile element, that has multiple uses in the chemical industry. Firstly, it is used extensively as a catalyst in organic synthesis, for example in the manufacture of ethylene oxide. Which, from a layman’s perspective may not sound very interesting, but as a core component in antifreeze, it has real world applications. Furthermore, ethylene oxide is used to make polyester, a very versatile fabric.

Beyond that, silver is used in the field of water treatment, where its strong anti-bacterial effects are employed in an ever expanding range of cleaning facilities, which, by lessening dependency on other elements such as chlorine, reduces smell and simplifies complex filter systems.

For a long time, silver has also been used for its reflective purposes, for example in classic mirrors, where even today there is no full replacement. However, its reflective properties now have more modern applications, such as in solar panels, where silver is used as a polymer sheet, where it has a 95% reflection rate of sunlight.

At present the largest consumer of silver is the electronics industry, where its role in solder alloys has been irreplaceable in our progress to the modern world.  Whilst it is also taking a growing part in the development of photo-voltaic cells and batteries.

Finally, it is important to mention silver’s use in jewellery, where its classic beauty will ensure its value long after the modern technological age has ended.

Whatever the historical reminiscences and current applications of silver are, it is certain that it has a bright prospect. This is a greatly sought after metal, one for our past, our present and our future.

Your team Spotchemi

METHANOL – CAS number 67-56-1

Methanol (CH3OH), also known as methyl alcohol is a clear, colourless, flammable liquid with a slightly alcoholic odour. It is a highly toxic polar liquid, soluble in water and most organic solvents. If it is fabricated industrially then it is typically made by reacting hydrogen with carbon monoxide and/or carbon dioxide.

Methanol is a very simple alcohol and as such has good solvent properties. It is widely used in paints, varnishes, paint thinners and cleaning products, including vehicle wind-screen wash, antifreeze solutions and de-icers for natural gas pipelines.

Methanol is also used in the manufacture of other chemicals, such as formaldehyde, methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and acetic acid. In recent years it has become increasingly significant in the field of biodiesel following a transesterification reaction. It can also be used to extract, wash, dry and crystallise pharmaceutical and agricultural chemicals.