Traveling Exhibit Depicts 20th Century Through Organic Molecules

The 20th century may be remembered as the century of chemical engineering. A fledgling discipline when the century began, chemical engineers are now integral to chemical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology production across the globe, as well as every new and existing energy technology.

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Each molecule in the exhibit represents one decade of the 20th century, and collectively they represent the cultural changes that organic chemistry brought about in America and around the world. The molecules, in order by decade, are: aspirin; isooctane; penicillin; polyethylene; nylon; DNA; progestin (The [contraceptive] Pill); DDT; Prozac; and buckminsterfullerene. Apart from DNA, these molecules represent not only invention and cultural influence, but triumphs of production. Nylon, polyethylene and isooctane are very simple molecules, but their influence comes from inexpensive, efficient and reliable production.

Each compound is displayed as a molecular model 2.5 billion times its actual size, an average of 2 to 3 m long. Artwork and artifacts representing the influence these materials have had on culture and thought accompany the models.

"Molecules That Matter" inhabits 3,000 ft^sup 2^ of space on the second floor of nie Tang Museum, with nie huge models hanging from high ceilings, drawing the viewers' eyes up, boni to the models themselves and to the shadows they cast The entrance to the exhibit area is up an open staircase from tiie lobby. Next to the staircase is the most popular (judging by crowd reaction) of the models - the 7-ft-dia buckyball. The C-60 carbon sphere hangs level with a mezzanine that holds nie cultural objects, such as a carbon bike frame, that represent nie many ways carbon nanotubes and buckminsterfullerenes have entered popular culture since their discovery by Richard Smalley, Robert Curl and Sir Harold Kroto.

On a bridge between the stairs and the main gallery are amber and green stalagmites and stalactites created by artist Jean Shin from thousands of prescription bottles. Three displays hang from the ceiling and four are mounted on the floor, creating a dramatic entrance to the second-floor gallery. Her work introduces the viewer to penicillin.

Isooctane occupies one corner. Four- and six-cylinder engines and an old Texaco gas pump are among its cultural objects. This high-octane exhibit is darker than the others, allowing for better viewing of the two-hour video-highlights loop that includes car chases from 40 different films representing more than five decades of movie mayhem.

"It really does look like a mosquito," commented several exhibit-goers when a Tang staff member pointed out the shape of the DDT molecule. Beneath that ominous model were first-edition copies of the truly ominous "Silent Spring" - a book that helped to change the public's view of chemistry from a shining success at mid-century to one needing harsh public scrutiny.

"Molecules That Matter" will remain at the Tang until April, when it will travel to Philadelphia to become nie first exhibit in the Hach Gallery of CHFs new exhibit space and conference center. It will debut there in September, and will be open to all who attend the upcoming AIChE centennial . celebration in November. In 2009, the exhibit will travel to tibe College of Wooster in Ohio and other destinations.

Perhaps you are wondering, "Why these ten? Why not ...?" That was one of the first questions asked at a panel discussion the day the exhibit opened. Audience members raised such questions as "Why not TaxolT and "What other molecules were considered?"

Ray Giguere, the Skidmore chemistry professor who proposed the original concept and serves as the exhibition's cocurator and scientific overseer, said the initial list of 200 was pared to 100 then 50 then 20, and "then tilings got difficult" Others that did not make the cut in addition to Taxol (which was second to Prozac for the 1980s) were cortisone and polystyrene. My own essay for the exhibit catalogue is as much about tetra-ethyl lead as isooctane - they are an inseparable pair through most of the 20th century.

If you get the chance to see it "Molecules That Matter" will remind you of the great contribution that chemistry and chemical engineering have made to the health and well-being of the world. You can find more information about the exhibit at http://tang.slddrnore.edu/4/exhibitions/doc/2070/.