(inorganic chemistry) A colourless liquid, H₃PO₄, used in the manufacture of fertilizers, detergents and pharmaceuticals and as an additive in cola drinks.

(genetics, biochemistry) A nucleic acid found in all living things (and some non-living, see virus); consists of a polymer formed from nucleotides which are shaped into a double helix; it is associated with the transmission of genetic information.

(chemistry) Iso-cyanic acid, HCNO, an unstable compound which forms explosive salts

(organic chemistry) A long-chain fatty acid, CH₃(CH₂)₁₈COOH, found in groundnut oil

(organic chemistry) A long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid, having 20 carbon atoms and four double bonds, found in animal fats; it is essential for human nutrition, being a precursor to the production of prostaglandins.

(organic chemistry) A white crystalline organic acid, C₆H₅COOH; the simplest aromatic carboxylic acid; used as a food preservative and in many other industrial applications.

A polyuronic acid gum, extracted from certain seaweeds, used as a food additive.

(pharmacology) The acetate ester of salicylic acid (aspirin)

(organic chemistry) A white crystalline organic acid, 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, C₆H₄(OH)(COOH), used in the production of aspirin and other industrial chemicals.

(organic chemistry) A white crystalline dicarboxylic acid, C₄H₈(COOH)₂; it has many industrial applications; when condensed with hexamethylene diamine it produces nylon.