image: The popular American Chemical Society Molecule of the Week now has its own mobile app. view more
Credit: American Chemical Society
WASHINGTON, April 15, 2010 — The American Chemical Society's (ACS) Molecule of the Week (MOTW) is one of the most popular destinations on the ACS Web site, and it may be getting more popular. The reason: ACS has unveiled a MOTW mobile application for iTunes.
Current MOTW enthusiasts –– and everyone else interested in science –– also can download the new app from www.acs.org/motwapp.
Each week, the MOTW presents a different molecule, with a description, image of the molecular structure, links to records from the Chemical Abstracts (CAS) RegistrySM, and other information. From allicin (the molecule responsible for the odor of crushed garlic) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to xylitol (the sugar substitute) and zingerone (which gives ginger a hot taste), there are always fascinating molecules that relate chemistry to everyday life.
The new app automatically delivers these features (plus a game quiz) to the convenience of an iPhone, iPod Touch and the just-released iPad. There are other cool features as well — such as a clue that appears with a shake of an iPhone or iPod — all designed to make the MOTW iPhone app not only informative but fun, too.
The American Chemical Society is a nonprofit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. With more than 161,000 members, ACS is the world's largest scientific society and a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.