How benzene changed chemistry forever - with Judy Wu
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The most useful chemical you've never heard of? Explore the ongoing significance of a chemical compound first isolated at the Ri 200 years ago: benzene. This Discourse was recorded at the Ri on 4 July 2025. Benzene has played a significant role in modern science and industry since it was first isolated by Michael Faraday in 1825 - originally from whale oil as a by-product of gas production - here at the Royal Institution.
Courtesy of The Royal Institution on YouTube. Watch on YouTube ↗
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