Why Are Synthetic Compounds Important in Chemistry?
Natural material is material that is obtained from plants, animals, or the environment. We get a lot of materials and substances from nature. However, not all material required for human survival is available in nature for direct use. Hence, there are materials and products made by man which are known as synthetic. The word synthetic means made by man. Almost all synthetic materials are made of natural resources, and they could include more than one raw material. Synthetic materials are made by chemical reactions or processes. Synthetic materials are cheaper, durable and long-lasting. The qualities of synthetic materials are substantially improved from that of natural products. Synthetics include anything made by men for their convenience. It could be anything, such as fibres, polymers, dyes, clothes, indicators, etc.
What is Synthetic?
Any material, compound, substance, or product made by humans is known as synthetic. These are known as synthetic because they are not available or obtained naturally. Synthetic is also sometimes referred to as artificial, which also means man-made. These compounds or substances are made by means of the chemical process. These products are majorly utilised in any field of science or industry.
Synthetic Material
Synthetic materials are products that are made by using a chemical process to change the initial substance to form a new form with different characteristics. Synthetic materials are formed by the rearrangement of natural materials. All synthetic materials have a specific function in human use. These materials include polymer, medicine, and fuels. Most of the time, these synthetic materials might be identical to natural sources. However, with improved qualities.
One of the synthetic materials includes synthetic fibres. These synthetic fibres are utilised to make various clothes or medical devices. Some fibres which are made artificially are nylon and polyester. Ceramics are also made artificially, and these include cement, tiles, etc.
Many polymers are made synthetically and used for a wide variety of purposes. One such polymer made up of vinyl chloride is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe which is widely used in plumbing. Additionally, some materials like rainwear and garden hoses are also made of PVC. Apart from that, polypropylene is used to make many types of synthetic ropes.
There are many artificial foods available on the market which are made in factories by a chemical process. Food substances such as artificial additives and preservatives of food products might be included in synthetic food. Many medicines and active ingredients are obtained by means of chemical processes and miniaturing. Polymers are even utilised for making fertilisers which can release nutrients into the soil.
Fuel such as ethanol and methanol is obtained from plant material through chemical processes and manufacturing.
Synthetic Industry
These industries include making artificial products by utilising natural resources and ingredients. These industries typically manufacture products such as cement, fragrances, and plastic. Some synthetic industries include paint manufacturing, paper manufacturing, yarn spinning, synthetic fuel or oil, etc. synthetic industries are responsible for making materials in bulk which enables the reaching of materials to all socioeconomic levels at a cheaper price.
Synthetic Chemicals/Synthetic Substances
Synthetic chemicals or substances are substances that are made by chemical reactions manufactured by chemical reactions or biosynthesis. These synthetic chemicals include medicines that are made artificially by analytically combining two or more substances. Some examples of synthetic chemicals include artificial sweeteners, fertilisers, pesticides, nutritional supplements, etc. Some synthetic chemicals are utilised in drug delivery in the body. A synthetic chemical named Tetrachloroethylene is used in dry cleaning. Food additives and preservatives are added to food to enhance food flavour; texture, consistency, etc. Food additives are less toxic because of rigorous testing and research mandated by law.
Synthetic substances are most times considered toxic. However, all the substances undergo rigorous testing and process before it is introduced to people and manufactured in bulk form. Synthetic chemicals are utilised in many fields, including food, for various agricultural purposes. These chemicals are utilised to make many products that are useful for human use.
One of the best synthetic substances which have a revolutionary effect on human beings is therapeutic drugs. These drugs are made in the laboratory by chemical reactions, and these have proven to treat many diseases and conditions benefiting human health. Because of these drugs, any disease, including cancer, can be treated effectively.
Interesting Facts About Synthetics
Some sports stadiums are made up of artificial grass.
Fibre extracted from sea cucumber is utilised to make a brain implant for the paralysed patient.
Key Features of Synthetics
Almost all synthetic products are made of natural resources.
Synthetic chemicals are made of two or more chemical substances.
Some examples of artificial materials are polymers, fibres, cement, paint, food additives, etc.
Synthetic materials have improved quality, are durable and cheaper.
FAQs on Synthetic in Chemistry: Meaning, Types & Applications
1. What does it mean for a material to be synthetic?
A material is called synthetic when it is man-made through chemical processes in factories or labs. Unlike natural materials, which come from plants or animals, synthetic materials are created by joining small chemical units called monomers into long chains called polymers.
2. What are some common examples of synthetic materials we use every day?
You can find many synthetic materials all around you. Some common examples include:
- Fabrics: Nylon, Polyester, Rayon, and Acrylic used in clothes, bags, and ropes.
- Plastics: Polythene for bags, PVC for pipes, and Bakelite for electrical switches.
- Other Materials: Synthetic rubber for tires, paints, and glues.
3. What are the main types of synthetic fibres students learn about?
The four main types of synthetic fibres typically covered in the syllabus are:
1. Rayon: Often called 'artificial silk' because of its texture.
2. Nylon: Known for being very strong, elastic, and light.
3. Polyester: Very popular as it does not wrinkle easily and is durable.
4. Acrylic: A lightweight and warm fibre often used as a substitute for wool.
4. How are synthetic fibres different from natural fibres like cotton or wool?
The main difference is their origin. Natural fibres come from plants (like cotton) or animals (like wool), while synthetic fibres are made in factories. This leads to different properties: synthetic fibres are generally stronger, more water-resistant, and more durable than natural fibres. However, natural fibres are typically more breathable and are biodegradable.
5. Why are synthetic fabrics like polyester often used for sportswear?
Synthetic fabrics are ideal for sportswear mainly because they do not absorb much water. Instead, they help wick moisture (like sweat) away from the skin, keeping the person dry and comfortable. They are also lightweight, strong, and dry very quickly, which are all important properties for athletic activities.
6. What are the main advantages and disadvantages of using synthetic materials?
Advantages: Synthetic materials are typically strong, long-lasting, lightweight, and often cheaper than natural alternatives. They can also be engineered to have specific qualities, like being water-proof or flame-resistant.
Disadvantages: A major drawback is that most synthetic materials are non-biodegradable, meaning they do not break down naturally and can cause pollution. Some can also melt when exposed to high heat.
7. Is 'rayon' a fully synthetic fibre like nylon?
Not exactly. Rayon is often called a semi-synthetic fibre. This is because although it is man-made, its raw material is natural wood pulp (cellulose). The wood pulp undergoes chemical treatment to create the final rayon fibre, which is why it falls somewhere between natural and fully synthetic fibres.
