Brainstorming - entrepreneurship in the field of chemistry

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding topics related to entrepreneurship in the field of chemistry for a homework essay. Participants explore various historical and contemporary examples of chemical innovations and companies that could serve as inspiration for the essay.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks ideas for an essay on entrepreneurship in chemistry, expressing difficulty in identifying relevant topics.
  • Another participant mentions Charles Goodyear as a historical figure relevant to the discussion.
  • Participants suggest examples of accidental discoveries, such as Splenda (Sucralose) and Crazy Glue (cyanoacrylates), highlighting the entrepreneurial potential in unexpected findings.
  • Suggestions include examining the origins of well-known chemical companies like Dupont, Dow, BASF, Bayer, and Eastman.
  • Famous inventions such as ammonia synthesis, nylon, Mackintosh raincoat, gun cotton, and mauveine are proposed as potential topics.
  • One participant suggests focusing on more contemporary examples of entrepreneurship and startups in chemistry, indicating a desire for current relevance.
  • A participant expresses appreciation for the suggestions while reiterating the need for more recent examples.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on specific topics, as there are multiple suggestions ranging from historical figures and inventions to contemporary entrepreneurial examples. The discussion remains open-ended with various viewpoints presented.

Contextual Notes

Some suggestions may depend on the definitions of entrepreneurship and the scope of the essay, which are not fully clarified. There is also a noted interest in contemporary examples, which may influence the relevance of historical suggestions.

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entrepreneurship in the field of chemistry

Homework Statement


I have to write an essay this year in my chemistry class on some topic related to applications of entrepreneurship in the field of chemistry. It has to be 5 pages long (double spaced), but i am struggling to find topics related to the area i must write in. Any thoughts or ideas about what i should write or where to look would be great. thanks pf.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
Last edited:
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Charles Goodyear
 
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Thank you chestermiller! any other ideas?
 
Splenda (Sucralose) and Crazy Glue (cyanoacrylates) both jump to mind. I have heard that each was discovered by accident while the researchers were looking to synthesize compounds for entirely different purposes. The commercial uses were then developed from those happy accidents.
 
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Look at how some famous chemical companies started:
Dupont
Dow
BASF
Bayer
Eastman

Or look at some famous inventions:
Ammonia synthesis
Nylon
Makintosh raincoat
Gun cotton
Mauveine
 
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Maybe they are looking for something a bit more 'now' than most of those examples from history? Trying to get you interested in the current thrust, vogue, cult or whatever of 'entrepreneurship', start ups etc. maybe you can find some local example?
 
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That's what i have been trying to find epenguin! little more recent, but thank you yanick and paisiello2. really appreciate it!
 

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