Phil Knutson, PhD on LinkedIn: Huge congratulations from us at Milliken & Company to UNC Chemistry’s GCPD… (2024)

Heading to the ACS 28th Annual Green Chemistry & Engineering Conference next week in Atlanta! Hope to see some of y'all there!https://www.gcande.org/

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At Milliken Chemical, we are hiring for two bachelors-level chemists to work on R&D projects that span organic, polymers, and materials chemistry. This is a great opportunity for new grads with chemistry degrees and a bit of lab experience! #chemjobs

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My art piece on queen bee pheromones! Get prints here: https://lnkd.in/en5-EAXBImagine being the queen bee of a hive, with thousands of worker bees at your command. How do you keep everything running smoothly? With your secret weapon: pheromones!The queen bee produces a special blend of pheromones called the Queen Mandibular Pheromone (QMP). Think of it like a perfume that not only smells great, but also helps regulate the behavior and physiology of the colony.The QMP is made up of several key molecules, each with its own special role. For example, 9-oxo-2-decenoic acid (9ODA) is like a love potion, attracting drones for mating and making worker bees want to be close to the queen. Other compounds, like cis- and trans-9-hydroxydec-2-enoic acid (9HDA), work together with 9ODA to enhance drone attraction.But that's not all! The queen also produces other pheromones that help regulate the division of labor and influence worker behavior and physiology.So, the next time you see a busy beehive, remember that it's all thanks to the queen bee and her amazing pheromones!#sciart #scienceart #chemistry

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A Negroni. Sbagliato. With prosecco in it. I drew this mostly because of this interview from actors in House of the Dragon because it’s such a great sound clip. Enjoy!Prints of this piece can be snagged here: https://lnkd.in/e-Ad4TNM

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I drew this piece to depict a Negroni Spagliato with a blood orange slice. The chemistry inside the glass are all the molecules found in its components: Vermouth, Campari, and Prosecco.I sell prints on Etsy: https://lnkd.in/e-Ad4TNMThe Negroni Sbagliato, meaning "mistaken Negroni," is the go-to for a lighter, spritzy alternative to the classic co*cktail, swapping gin for prosecco. Its popularity surged in 2022 when House of Dragons stars Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke featured it in a TikTok video. Originating in 1967 at Milan's Bar Basso, bartender Mirko Stochetto, despite the co*cktail's name, intentionally used prosecco instead of gin when a customer ordered a Negroni. Stochetto's son, Maurizio, recounts the day, highlighting how the accidental twist became a sunny day favorite, offering a smoother experience. Positioned between an Americano and a full-proof Negroni, it's a perfect aperitivo or anytime co*cktail, admired for its stunning balance, as described by Olivia Cooke.The primary chemical components include:Ethanol (Ethyl Alcohol): Present in both the sparkling wine and any residual alcohol from vermouth and Campari, providing the intoxicating effect.Acetaldehyde: Contributing fruity and nutty notes, acetaldehyde is a byproduct of ethanol oxidation, found in vermouth and Campari.Esters (e.g., Isoamyl acetate, Ethyl hexanoate): These compounds contribute to the fruity and floral aromas, often present in both vermouth and sparkling wine.Phenols (e.g., Guaiacol): Present in Campari and contributing to its unique spicy and smoky aromas.Organic acids (e.g., Citric acid, Tartaric acid, Malic acid): Contributing to the overall acidity and flavor balance of the co*cktail.The chemical reactions involved in mixing these ingredients include dilution, extraction of flavors from botanicals, and the interaction of various volatile compounds. The effervescence from the sparkling wine adds a lively aspect to the Negroni Sbagliato, enhancing the sensory experience. The choice of specific brands and types of vermouth, Campari, and sparkling wine can further influence the chemical composition and flavor profile of this delightful and slightly unconventional Negroni variant.Here's a full list of the molecules I used:Ethanol (Ethyl Alcohol)WaterAcetaldehydeAcetic acidGlycerol2-PhenylethanolIsoamyl acetateDiethyl succinateCitric acidTartaric acidL-Malic acidMethionol (Methyl mercaptan)3-MercaptohexanolDimethyl sulfide (DMS)Beta-DamascenonePhenethyl acetateEthyl butyrateEthyl hexanoateFurfuralHexanolα-TerpineolDiethyl malonateIsobutanolγ-DecalactoneTrimethylamineEthyl decanoateIsovaleric acidSotolonFarneseneGuaiacol

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The chemistry of a Manhattan. 🥃🍊This piece depicts the classic Manhattan co*cktail garnished with an orange peel. The molecules you see are those found in a Manhattan. From the bitter flavors to citric acid to the many flavorful aldehydes like vanillin and syringaldehyde. The chemistry of a Manhattan co*cktail involves the interaction of the different components of the drink. The rye whiskey provides the base spirit, contributing the majority of the alcohol and a spicy, grainy flavor. The sweet vermouth, a fortified wine, adds complexity with its herbal and sweet notes. The Angostura bitters, made from a variety of botanicals, contribute additional complexity and balance out the sweetness of the vermouth. The orange peel garnish adds a touch of bitterness and a visual appeal to the drink. The stirring process also plays a role in the chemistry of the co*cktail. Stirring the drink with ice not only chills the ingredients but also dilutes them slightly, which can help to soften the harshness of the alcohol and blend the flavors together. Whiskey is created through a complex chemical process that involves fermentation, distillation, and aging. During this process, various molecules are formed and transformed, leading to the characteristic aroma and taste of whiskey. Ethanol, for example, is the primary alcohol in whiskey and is responsible for its intoxicating effects. Vanillin contributes to the vanilla-like flavor and aroma of the whiskey, while eugenol is responsible for the spicy and clove-like notes.Here’s a link if you’re interested in purchasing prints or the original: https://lnkd.in/eAbDTw_D

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