Why Does Ingesting Helium Make Some Voices Sound High and Funny?

Ingesting helium and speaking makes most people sound like they’re auditioning for the next chipmunk movie. How and why does this occur?

Sound is a sensation produced when vibrations sent through the air or other mediums stimulate the hearing organs. Low frequency sounds are heard at a low pitch. High frequency sounds are heard at a high pitch. The density of the medium through which the sounds are transmitted determines the frequency (pitch) of sound. A less dense medium produces a greater rate (frequency) of vibration and therefore a higher pitch of the sound.

Gas densities are directly proportional to their molecular weights. The density of helium (mol. wt. 4) is much less than that of air, which is a mixture of approximately 78 percent nitrogen (mol. wt. 28) and around 20 percent oxygen (mol. wt. 32). The vocal cords vibrate much faster (at a higher frequency) in the lighter helium than in the heavier air. Hence, the voice is perceived as having a higher pitch.

 

Chemical Information Services Donates Product Suite to Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative

 
Chemical Information Services has donated the use of its package of databases to the Clinton HIV/AIDS Initiative (CHAI) to assist them in locating potential suppliers and manufacturers of active pharmaceutical ingredients, which can further assist CHAI’s efforts in negotiating lower prices for essential HIV/AIDS medicines. Currently, more than 70 countries, representing more than 90 percent of people living with HIV/AIDS in the developing world have access to medicines under CHAI’s negotiated prices. CHAI also works side-by-side with more than 20 countries worldwide to help build systems that can efficiently deliver HIV/AIDS care and treatment by providing technical assistance to governments that can leverage human and financial resources, and facilitating the sharing of best practices across nationwide projects.

Celanese Corporation Honored by the ACC

Leading global chemical company, Celanese Corporation has received the American Chemistry Council’s annual (ACC) Responsible Care® Sustained Excellence Award for mid-size companies. The award recognizes those companies with outstanding leadership under the ACC’s Environmental Health and Safety performance criteria. Given annually, it is the most prestigious award given under the Council’s Responsible Care initiative.

To be considered for the award, companies must demonstrate an excellent safety record, a positive trend in other performance metrics, and completion of management system certification and security verifications over a three-year period. The winner is chosen on the basis of both quantitative and qualitative measures that demonstrate sustained performance excellence over time.

Bisphenol-A (BPA) Imports Into China

Bisphenol-A (BPA) imports into China were reported at more than 45,000 tons in May 2009.  According to statistics recently released by Chinese Customs, this represents a 72% increase from the same month in 2008.

While this is a 12% drop in volumes sold into China from April 2009, it is still higher than expectations of most market sources considering the regional Chinese holidays during the month.  One trader expressed that users could be holding back inventories due to earlier speculations that prices could rise due to feedstock cost.

Major BPA producers that are listed in the Directory of World Chemical Producers ( DWCP)  include Nan Ya Plastics and LG Chem.

Altair Nanotechnologies Names New Board Member

Reno, Nevada-based Altair Nanotechnologies, Inc. has named Hossein Asrar Haghighi to its Board of Directors. Mr. Haghighi is the chief finance officer for the Al Yousuf Group LLC, which is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. After 25 years of managing banking activities for other Middle East organizations, he joined Al Yousuf LLC in 1986.



 

Huntsman Corporation Appoints New Division President

Global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated chemicals, Huntsman Corporation has appointed Daniele Ferrari as President of its Performance Products division. With over 20 years of experience in the chemical industry, Mr. Ferrari most recently served as the division's Vice President, Europe, Middle East & Africa. He fills the vacancy left by the Don Stanutz, who retired from Huntsman on June 15th.

AMVAC Chemical Gets New Sales and Marketing Leadership

American Vanguard Corporation is reorganizing the sales and marketing function of its wholly owned subsidiary, AMVAC Chemical Company. Effective July 1, 2009, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, Trevor Thorley will be directly responsible for its sales and marketing efforts. He replaces the resigning Chris Hildreth, who will continue to assist the Company as a consultant. Mr. Thorley will also continue his duties as COO, supervising technology, regulatory, manufacturing and administrative functions.

Stanford Chemist Named Priestley Medalist

Stanford University chemist, Richard N. Zare, is the recipient of the American Chemistry Society’s 2010 Priestly Medal. The annual award recognizes distinguished service in the field of chemistry and is the highest honor bestowed by the Society.

He has made significant contributions to the field of chemistry, especially in laser spectroscopy. Zare introduced laser-induced fluorescence as a method for studying reaction dynamics and as a sensitive detection method for analytical chemistry. His significant involvement in public service includes membership in the National Science Board, acting as its chairman from 1996 to 1998. Zare received a bachelor's degree in chemistry and physics in 1961 and a Ph.D. in chemical physics in 1964, both from Harvard University.

Lanxess Expanding in China and India

German specialty chemical maker Lanxess is set to expand its global presence with two acquisitions in Asia. The Company’s Indian subsidiary, LANXESS India Private Ltd will acquire the chemical business of Gwalior Chemical, an Indian company listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange for $115 million. Closing is expected at the end of the third quarter of 2009. Gwalior is one of India’s largest producers of of benzyl products and a global supplier of sulfur chlorides used to make agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and flavors and fragrances. It currently operates two production sites, one in Nagda, Madhya Pradesh, and the other in Ankleshwar, Gujarat. Future production will primarily occur at the Nagda site.

Lanxess is also set to buy Jiangsu Polyols, a major Chinese producer of trimethylpropane, used in lubricants, paints, and coatings. Jiangsu Polyols was founded in 2006 and is located in Liyang, west of Shanghai. Closing of this transaction is expected in the third quarter of 2009.

Solutia Sells Nylon Business to Cut Debt

An affiliate of SK Capital Partners II LP has purchased the nylon business of specialty chemical company Solutia, Inc. In addition to the $50 million purchase price, the affiliate of SK Capital Partners gave Solutia a 2 percent equity stake in the Company formed to hold the nylon business' assets as well as a commitment to give the company $4 million in deferred cash payments to be paid in annual $1 million installments beginning in 2011. Proceeds of the nylon sale were used by Solutia to pay down its debt under the asset-based revolving credit facility.

 

Phase Two of Restructuring Program Means More Job Cuts at Clariant

As part of Clariant’s 2009 restructuring program, 500 jobs will be cut in the second half of the year.  The job cuts will occur in several countries, including Switzerland and Germany.  This comes after 1,350 positions were cut at the start of the year.

More restructuring is expected as demand continues to be at the fourth quarter 2008 levels and is projected to remain there for all of 2009.  A year-on-year comparison of sales volumes reflected a 25% downturn in the first quarter.  Fourth quarter sales were down 16% for the Switzerland-based specialties maker.

Hexion Shifting Customer Service Operations

As a part of its realignment efforts in North America, Hexion Specialty Chemicals, Inc. is shifting its customer services operations to two cities. The Columbus, Ohio based company will relocate the group to its existing operations in Gahanna, Ohio and Springfield, Oregon.

In 2007, the Company was granted a 10 year tax incentive by the Ohio Department of Development to establish a 12,000-square-foot service center in Gahanna. It pledged it would employ up to 45 workers within three years.

In addition, Hexion plans to tweak manufacturing and distribution operations elsewhere in North America. The changes are aimed at boosting service to customers and cutting costs, and will include an undetermined number of job cuts. The Company employs 250 workers in Central Ohio and 6,800 worldwide. No interruption in operations is expected as a result of the changes and Hexion expects to wrap up the realignment before April 2010.
 

ORLEN – Poland’s Largest Company Offers Severance

PKN Orlen aims to cut its workforce by 19% over the next five years.  The Polish oil, chemical, and petrochemical group has asked for voluntary redundancy, offering severance to those employees who apply by the end of August.  A pay freeze for all workers has also been agreed to by the union for 2009.

This comes after failed attempts to raise capital by selling its polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and nitrogen fertilizer subsidiary, Anwil.  The Company hoped to raise the funds needed to reduce its costs and avoid breaking ING bank agreements on major loans.

Orlen is Poland’s largest company, employing around 4,000.

DyStar Acquires Sodium Amide Business

DyStar has acquired the sodium amide business of the Rhodia Group. The formulation of sodium amide will be relocated from Rhodia’s Norwich, U.K. production facility to DyStar’s site in Ludwigshafen, Germany. Production is scheduled to begin at the end of the 1st quarter 2010. DyStar provides products and solutions for the textile and chemical industry. The Company continues to strengthen its technological capacity and increase its global chemical production footprint.


 

Asset Liquidation for TorreyPines Therapeutics

The board of TorreyPines Therapeutics has unanimously voted to liquidate its assets. The decision came after the Company failed to find a buyer or negotiate other alternatives required to stay in business. The La Jolla, California based biotech company continues to seek and will consider any reasonable alternative financing or strategic proposals that may be presented. A special meeting of the Company’s shareholders is planned to seek approval of the dissolution plan. As of March, only three employees remained at the Company and the stock price has suffered since October 2007.

 

Cognis Develops Sustainable, Ecologically-Compatible Products

In response to market demand for ecologically-attuned products that are in line with performance and sustainability, specialty chemical producer Cognis has developed the DSX 300 series of products. It is a unique range of patented nonionic associative thickeners for water-based coatings. The DSX 3291 represents a significantly more efficient alternative to conventional products. It is an ultra-efficient VOC-free rheology modifier for “green” water-based architectural coatings. This exceptional pseudoplastic viscosity builder is up to five times more efficient than conventional associative thickener products and can be incorporated into coating formulations with low shear mixing. It provides superior sag and chemical resistance, excellent anti-settling properties, low viscosity drop on tinting and allows thick coatings to be easily sprayed. The product is compliant with the latest environmental regulations and is fully in line with the “green trend”. DSX 3291 is free from harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs), does not contain heavy metals, and is odor free.

Clariant Awarded EPA Honors

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded specialty chemical expert Clariant its New Chemicals Program P2 Recognition Project Award. The honor is in recognition for the Company’s Exolit® OP 560 product. The new-generation non-halogenated flame-retardant is made by its Pigments & Additives Division for polyurethane foams in automotive, furniture and consumer applications. The product’s halogen-free “unique" chemistry allows maximum flame retardant efficiency without the release of potentially toxic gases into the atmosphere when combusted or the production of dangerous halogenated by-products upon degradation or combustion.

The EPA gave only four such awards this year. Winners are selected from among those new chemicals submitted to the agency for registration and for which either manufacturing or import commenced in the United States during 2008. Winners are identified through the agency’s New Chemicals Program which screens up to 2500 chemicals annually. In selecting products for program recognition, the EPA looks for products that promote source reduction as well as safety goals.

This win represents the second time in two years that Clariant has won the pretigious EPA honor, which is given to products that offer innovative chemistry and significant pollution prevention potential. Clariant’s Paper business received the award last year for its Cartaspers PSM product.

FDA Warns Matrixx Initiatives, Withdraws Two Zicam Cold Nasal Products

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent Matrixx Initiatives a warning letter to withdraw Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel and Zicam Cold Remedy Gel Swabs after more than 130 reports of people losing their sense of smell, a condition known as anosmia.

According to the FDA, Matrixx should file a new drug application and get FDA approval for its Zicam products that are administered through the nose if it wants to keep the products in the market.

Matrixx states that the use of these products is safe and there is no link between anosmia and its Zicam products. The basis for their statement is due to more than 10 years of experience with the products and the scientific research derived hereof. However the Company declares it will comply with the FDA's requirements and is willing to withdraw its Zicam products from the marketplace, even though it feels that FDA action is unnecessary.

These products represent approximately 40% of the Matrixx Initiatives' net sales in 2009.
 

Generic Maker Watson to Acquire Arrow Group

Watson Pharmaceuticals, a leading U.S. pharmaceutical company, will acquire privately held Arrow Group for $1.75 billion (€1.26bn) in cash and stock. The merger between Watson and Arrow will result in a global pharmaceutical company with over $3 billion in revenue, commercial presence in over 20 countries, and a strong product portfolio.

As one of the top growing generic pharmaceutical companies in the world, Arrow generated $647 million in revenues in 2008, representing a 67% organic compound annual growth rate since 2001. Furthermore, it operates as Arrow Generics in the UK, as Cobalt Pharmaceuticals in the United States and Canada, and as Arrow Generiques in France.

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2009.

 

Sinovac Maker of H1N1 Vaccine

Sinovac Biotech, a producer of vaccines in China, stated that it will start the production of a vaccine against influenza A (H1N1) virus. The Company received the virus seed from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on June 8th, 2009. Furthermore, it plans to get the H1N1 vaccine through its first clinical trial by the end of July, since rival firms want to launch vaccines against the new H1N1 virus into the market.

The Company partners with other Chinese pharmaceutical firms in producing the needed ingredients in bulk for the vaccine. When it works out the right dosage to use and demonstrates safety, it will have the capability to start commercial production.

AgraQuest Inc. Announces Registration for REQUIEM™ Insecticide

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation has granted AgraQuest registration for its new insecticide REQUIEM™.  As a global leader in the agrochemical industry, AgraQuest develops highly effective fungicides and insecticides that improve crop productivity in agriculture. REQUIEM™ insecticide has shown effectiveness toward whiteflies, aphids, mites, thrips and other pests in more than 600 trials and grower demos. It is registered for use on a wide variety of high-value fruit and vegetable crops including tomatoes, peppers, tree fruits and nuts, brassica, bulb vegetables, grapes, cucurbits, select leafy vegetables and others. While it effectively fights against pests, REQUIEM™ insecticide has insignificant to no impact on favorable insects. Additionally, being exempt from tolerances, the users of REQUIEM™ can disregard residue levels on their crops, including fruits and vegetables produced for export to foreign countries.


 

Agrochemical Giants in Patent Infringement Battle

BASF filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware against DuPont (E. l. du Pont de Nemours and Company) for infringement of BASF’s patented technology that makes plants resistant to a key class of herbicides. Specifically, according to BASF, DuPont’s Optimum GAT corn product infringes its patented genetic component that provides successful tolerance toward an herbicide class known as AHAS or ALS inhibitors.

BASF Plant Science GmbH seeks an injunction and damages against DuPont and its subsidiary Pioneer Hi-Bred International for this unlawful use of BASF’s patented technology. Furthermore, BASF Plant Science seeks to declare invalid and unenforceable DuPont patents for technology relating to herbicide tolerance. BASF has learned that subsequent to its filing, DuPont filed a separate action concerning the same subject matter.

Dutch BioMCN Converts Glycerin Into Bio-Methanol

Dutch company BioMCN has developed an innovative patented process that converts crude glycerine into bio-methanol. It is the first company in the world to produce high quality bio-methanol from renewable resources on a large-scale facility. The total capacity of the new plant is 200 ktons, making it the largest production unit for bio-methanol in the world. Their process produces bio-methanol which is chemically identical to regular methanol and meets the international specifications published by the IMPCA (the International Methanol Producers and Consumers Association).

There's no shortage of crude glycerine, which is generated as a by-product during the manufacture of biodiesel. Production of biodiesel is growing in response to demand for transport fuels with a lower carbon footprint. The main feed-stocks for biodiesel production are vegetable oils or fats and methanol, with glycerine as a by-product. By converting glycerine into bio-methanol the full energy potential is utilized, and CO2 emissions in comparison to regular methanol are reduced by as much as 70%.

Bio-methanol can be used as a chemical building block for a range of future-oriented products, including bio-MTBE, bio-DME, bio-hydrogen and synthetic bio-fuels (synthetic hydrocarbons). Because bio-methanol is chemically identical to regular methanol, it can also be used to turn any traditional methanol application “green” (e.g. formaldehyde, acetic acid, and many others).

Although the global excess of glycerin is growing, it has proven to be a volatile commodity that experiences huge price swings. Consequently, one big glycerin-based chemical project has been shelved and two others are significantly delayed. So the long-term supply for glycerin is uncertain.
 

BASF and FAR to Cooperate on TMP Production

German chemical major BASF and Italy's Fabbrica Adesivi Resine (FAR) have reached an agreement to cooperate on the production, marketing and sales of the polyalcohol trimethylpropane (TMP). TMP is used in the production of polyurethanes, synthetic lubricants and coatings.

Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed. Resins producer FAR will take over production of TMP for both partners at its Vercelli site near Milan. BASF will be exclusively responsible for the marketing and sales of TMP. The Company will mothball its TMP plant in Ludwigshafen, with the eight affected BASF employees assuming other jobs at the site. The cooperation was subject to the approval of the respective antitrust authorities.


 

PPG Aerospace Signs Agreement with Farécla

PPG Aerospace has entered into an agreement with Farécla Inc., for global sales and distribution of the polishes, abrasives and waxes Farécla produces for use on aircraft coatings. Farécla, Inc. is the U.S. unit of Farécla Products Ltd., Hertford, U.K.

Technical field service personnel from PPG Aerospace and Farécla product experts have collaborated to confirm processes and develop guidelines for use of Farécla products with PPG aircraft coatings. The products will provide PPG Aerospace customers with long desired paint maintenance materials to meet the rigors of the aircraft environment. Farécla’s system includes all products necessary for paint spot repair, buffing, cleaning and protecting the aircraft painted surface. It offers a unique diminishing abrasive technology that is water-based providing for easy cleanup and products that do not stain or blemish the finish.
 

Time Technoplast and Schoeller Arca-Systems Form Venture

Time Technoplast Ltd. of India and Netherlands-based Schoeller Arca Systems have joined forces to bring a polymer processing plant to fruition. The new venture will be based in India with an initial investment of $14 million (€10m). It will produce foldable containers, pallets, crates and other material-handling products. The Companies reported the products would be launched before the end of the year.
 

Cereplast Bio-Based Resins Find Success in Brazil

Leading developer of proprietary bio-based sustainable plastics, Cereplast, Inc. recently announced that Brazilian agribusiness and food company, Bunge Alimentos has received the 2009 Embanews Award for Best Renewable and Biodegradable Packaging. This prestigious award was given to Bunge for the thermoformed packaging used for its CYCLUS® margarine brand. The container is made of Cereplast Compostables® resin.

CYCLUS® by Bunge was selected for the award by Embanews, a major packaging magazine in Brazil. It chose the packaging for its innovative use of a biodegradable resin and its ability to be disposed in industrial composting sites. CYCLUS® containers will turn into biomass in less than 90 days under industrial composting conditions.

 

Solae’s Soy Protein Isolate Enhances Beverage Flavor

World leader in soy-based technology, Solae, LLC has introduced a new, breakthrough ingredient to enhance the flavor and functionality of ready-to-drink and powder beverages. SUPRO® XF is the Company’s new soy protein isolate that delivers performance, mouthfeel and nutritional performance critical for beverage applications in clinical nutrition, weight management, sports and performance segments. It is a high-quality, complete protein, made with Solae’s patent-pending technology that produces unique peptide amino acid sequences and functionality. The result is a less beany flavor as well as higher solubility at neutral to slightly acidic pH ranges. It also provides a low viscosity profile that is similar to hydrolyzed proteins while avoiding their usual bitter taste.

 

New Addition to the Periodic Table

German researchers recently announced that a new, superheavy chemical element numbered 112 will soon be officially included in the periodic table. The element was first produced in 1996 by a team in the southwest German city of Darmstadt. The feat was accomplished by firing charged zinc atoms through a 120-meter-long particle accelerator to hit a lead target. The atomic number 112 refers to the sum of the element’s atomic numbers. It is composed of zinc, which has 30, and lead, which has 82 for a total of 112. Atomic numbers denote how many protons are found in the atom's nucleus. Known as Ununbium (Latin for 112) zinc and lead nuclei were fused to form the nucleus of the new element. Scientists at the GSI Helmholtz Center for Heavy Ion Research stated it is approximately 277 times heavier than hydrogen, making it the heaviest in the periodic table. The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) confirmed the discovery of 112 and has requested submission for the element’s official name.