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List of Chemical Formula & Important Compounds
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: September 25th, 2023
Chemical Formulas: Chemistry is an integral part of the General Science section and nearly 4-5 questions are asked in the examination, now that because of the changed exam pattern General Awareness is also a part of the Tier 2 examination, therefore, there would be additional weightage of this section.
In this article, we will share some essential chemical compounds that will be useful for the upcoming Railways & SSC Exams 2023 along with that we will share with you Common Chemical Formula List PDF. Candidates are advised to go through this article till the end to get complete information on common chemical names and their formulas.
Table of content
Chemical Compound Formulas
You need to comprehend the names and formulas of the Common Chemical Compounds before moving on to what they actually are. Chemical formulas, on the other hand, contain a wealth of information about chemical substances, such as how many and what atoms they are made of, as well as the way the atoms are ordered, whereas a compound is a material made up of a specific proportion of two or more elements. You can count the atoms and elements in a compound by using its chemical formula.
Knowing the names and formulas of the chemical substances that make up our universe will help you do well on the General Science section of the exam. There are many chemical substances in our environment that are crucial to us and our daily life.
A list of important compounds and their uses are provided in the article. Check out the article for complete information.
Compounds and Their Uses
As per SSC syllabus, general science holds a significant weightage in all the exams. Through this, the commission assesses the basic scientific knowledge and understanding of candidates. It covers fundamental concepts of physics, chemistry, biology, and other scientific disciplines, which are essential for candidates appearing for various government job exams. Of these, Chemistry is one of the most important subjects.
Having a good grasp of chemistry concepts is crucial for answering questions related to chemical compounds and their formulas. Listed below are some of the most common Chemical compound formulas that are asked in the exam. Moreover, these are the chemical names and formula of commonly used household substances that we all should know about.
1. Calcium Carbonate
Formula: CaCO3
Uses: Non-prescription drug for relief from acid indigestion and heartburn. Also considered a calcium supplement.
2. Sodium Chloride
Formula: NaCl
Uses: Used to season food (during food preparation and at the table), also used in the past as a method of food preservation.
3. Methane
Formula: CH4
Uses: natural gas, fuel (also called Marsh Gas)
4. Aspirin
Formula: C9H8O4
Uses: Pain Reliever
5. Potassium Tartrate
Formula: K2C4H4O6
Uses: cream of tartar, cooking
6. Baking soda
Formula: NaHCO3
Uses: cooking
7. Acetaminophen
Formula: C8H9NO2
Uses: Pain Reliever
8. Acetic Acid
Formula: C2H4O2
Uses: Active ingredient in vinegar
9. Caffeine
Formula: C8H10N4O2
Uses: stimulant in coffee, tea, some soda
10. Propane
Formula: C3H8
Uses: fuel for cooking
11. Sodium Carbonate
Formula: Na2CO3
Uses: washing soda
12. Phosphoric Acid
Formula: H3PO4
Uses: flavouring in soda
13. Ascorbic acid
Formula: C6H8O6
Uses: Essential vitamin (vitamin C)
14. Ammonia
Formula: NH3
Uses: fertilizer, household cleaner when dissolved in water
15. Ethylene Glycol
Formula: C2H6O2
Uses: antifreeze
16. Calcium Carbonate
Formula: CaCO3
Uses: antacid
17. Ethanol
Formula: C2H5OH
Uses: disinfectant, alcoholic beverages
18. Carbon dioxide
Formula: CO2
Uses: carbonating agent in soda
19. Hydrochloric Acid
Formula: HCl
Uses: production of batteries, photoflash bulbs and fireworks. It’s even used to process sugar and make gelatin.
20. Calcium Oxide
Formula: CaO
Uses: Less common in modern homes than in the past. Glows when heated, was used in theatres before the invention of electric lighting. Health risks on skin contact or inhalation.
21. Sucrose
Formula: C12H22O11
Uses: Used in cooking. Use as a sweetener.
22. Potassium Carbonate
Formula: K2CO3
Uses: Potash is the common name for various mined and manufactured salts that contain potassium in water-soluble form.
23. Plaster of Paris
Formula: CaSO4·1⁄2H2O
Uses: used for casts to hold broken limbs in place, modelling casts, sculptures and in plasterboard walls and ceilings
24. Gypsum
Formula: CaSO4.2H2O
Uses: Use to manufacture dry wall, plaster, joint compound.
25. Sodium Bicarbonate
Formula: NaHCO3
Uses: Used in baking where it reacts with other ingredients, releasing carbon dioxide (CO2), helping dough rise.
26. Sulphuric Acid
Formula: H2SO4
Uses: Used in lead-acid batteries for cars and other vehicles. It is also known as Vitriol.
27. Hydrogen Peroxide
Formula: H2O2
Uses: Used as a mouthwash (Personal Hygiene)
Chemical formula of Psuedo Alum – K2SO4.Al2(SO4)3.24H2O
Aqua Regia is a mixture of – HCl and HNO3. In aqua-regia,3 parts of HCl and 1 part of HNO3 are mixed.
Common Chemical Formula List PDF
Aspirants must download the Common Chemical Compound Name and Formula PDF while covering the chemistry syllabus. This PDF includes the name of all the important chemical formulas and compound names that the officials asked for over the years.
Common Chemical Names and Formulas PDF
Important Chemical Compounds & Their Formula
Chemical formulas provide a lot of information about chemical substances, such as how many and what atoms they are made of, as well as the way the atoms are arranged.
A compound is a substance composed of a definite proportion of two or more elements. A chemical formula tells us the number of atoms of each element in a compound. It contains the symbols of the atoms of the elements present in the compound as well as how many there are for each element in the form of subscripts. Below are a few examples of compounds and their chemical formulas are provided below.
Chemical Formula List
All chemical formula list is provided below, where candidates can check important chemical formulas for important chemical compounds along with common names and uses of those compounds.
Common Names of Chemical Compounds |
Chemical Name of Compound |
Common Chemical Compounds Formula |
Uses of Compound |
Aqua Fortis/ Spirit of Niter |
Nitric Acid |
HNO3 |
Aqua fortis is used in the production of explosives and fertilizers. |
Baking Soda |
Sodium Bicarbonate or Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate |
NAHCO3 |
Baking soda is the main ingredient which is used in baking. |
Blue Vitriol |
Copper Sulphate |
CuSO4.xH2O |
Blue Vitriol is used in insecticides and germicides and also as electrolytes for batteries. |
Bleaching Powder |
Calcium Oxychloride |
CaOCl2 |
Bleaching powder is mainly used in the textile industry for bleaching cotton and linen. |
Bleach/ Antiformin/ Chloride of Soda |
Sodium Hypochlorite |
NaOCl |
Sodium Hypochlorite is used on a large scale for bleaching, surface purification, water disinfection and odour removal. |
Borax |
Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate/ Sodium Borate |
Na2[B4O5(OH)4].8H2O |
Borax is used as a cleaner, and it is also used as an ingredient in paint, herbicides, toothpaste, skin creams, moisturizers, etc. |
Calomel |
Mercurous Chloride |
Hg2Cl2 |
Calomel has been used as a fungicide, it was previously used to treat malaria and yellow fever. |
Carborundum |
Silicon Carbide |
SiC |
Carborundum is mainly used as an abrasive for cutting, polishing, grinding, and as an antislip additive. |
Carbolic Acid/ Phenol / Hydroxybenzene Phenic Acid |
Phenol |
C6H5OH |
Carbolic acid is one of the oldest antiseptic agents which is used as a disinfectant in household cleaners. |
Caustic Potash |
Potassium Hydroxide |
KOH |
Caustic potash is used in potassium soaps and detergents and in liquid fertilizers. |
Chile Saltpetre |
Sodium Nitrate |
NaNO3 |
Chile Saltpetre is an agricultural source of nitrogen is used for making fertilizers, high-strength glasses and explosives. |
Caustic Soda |
Sodium Hydroxide |
NaOH |
Caustic soda is used to manufacture paper and pulp, alumina, soap, detergents and petroleum products. It is also used for water treatment, metal processing, mining, etc. |
Cream of Tartar |
Potassium Hydrogen Tartrate/ Potassium Bitartrate |
KC4H5O6 |
Cream of tartar is used in the bakery for stabilizing egg whites |
Chloroform |
Trichloromethane |
CHCl3 |
Chloroform is used a solvent for floor polishes and lacquer. It is also used in paper, board and pesticide industries. |
CFC-12/ Freon-12 |
Dichlorodifluoromethane |
CCl2F2 |
CFC-12 is used as a refrigerant in air conditioners and refrigerators. |
Dolomite |
Calcium Magnesium Carbonate |
CaMg(CO3)2 |
Dolomite is used as an element for the production of glass, ceramics and bricks. |
Dry Ice |
Solid Carbon Dioxide |
CO2 |
Dry Ice is actually a solid form of CO2. It is mainly used as a cooling agent and in theatres for dramatic effects. |
Epsom Salt |
Magnesium Sulphate Heptahydrate |
MgSO4.7H2O |
Epsom salt is used to treat body aches, pain and inflammation |
Galena |
Lead (II) Sulphide |
PbS |
Galena is mined for its silver content and it is a primary ore of lead. |
Glauber’s Salt |
Sodium Sulphate Decahydrate |
Na2SO4.10H2O |
It is used for medicinal purposes for the removal of certain drugs overdose such as paracetamol. |
Glycerol |
Propane-1,2,3-triol |
C3H8O3 |
Glycerol is used in food and beverages industry, it serves as a solvent, humectant and also helps in food preservation |
Green Vitriol |
Ferrous Sulphate Heptahydrate |
FeSO4.7H2O |
Green vitriol is used for treatment against moss on the lawn and to treat iron clorosis of vine, berries and fruit trees. |
Gypsum |
Calcium Sulphate Dihydrate |
CaSO4.2H2O |
Gypsum is used a retarder in Portland cement, and filler in paper and textiles. |
Heavy Water |
Deuterium Oxide |
D2O |
D2O is used as a neutron moderator in nuclear reactors |
Hematite |
Iron (III) Oxide/ Ferric Oxide |
Fe2O3 |
Hematite is used to preparation of heavy metal separation, radiation shielding and to produce pigments. |
Hypo Solution |
Sodium Thiosulphate Pentahydrate |
Na2S2O3.5H2O |
Hypo solution is mainly used for photographic paper processing |
Laughing Gas |
Dinitrogen Monoxide/ Nitrous Oxide |
N2O |
Nitrous Oxide is used by dentists to make the patients comfortable during certain procedures |
Quick Lime/ Burnt Lime |
Calcium Oxide |
CaO |
Quick Lime is mainly used in the production of steel, paper and pulp production, treatment of water. |
Slaked Lime |
Calcium Hydroxide |
Ca(OH)2 |
Slaked Lime is used in plasters, cements, and mortars |
Limestone |
Calcium Carbonate |
CaCO3 |
Limestone is used in building material, it is also one of the main ingredient in toothpaste. |
Litharge (Red) and Massicot (Yellow) |
Lead (II) Oxide/ Lead Monoxide |
PbO |
Massicot and Litharge are used in the production of lead stabilizers, lead glass, enamels, and pottery. |
Methyl Ethyl Ketone/ Butanone |
Butan-2-one |
C4H8O |
Butanone is the is main ingredient in paint formation |
Marsh Gas |
Methane |
CH4 |
Methane at high temperatures reacts with steam to form Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen. The product is used in the production of ammonia for fertilizers and explosives. |
Milk of Magnesia |
Magnesium Hydroxide |
Mg(OH)2 |
Milk of Magnesia acts as an antacid which helps at the time of indigestion, heartburn and sour stomach. |
Mohr’s Salt |
Ammonium Iron (II) Sulphate |
(NH4)2Fe(SO4)2.6H2O |
Mohr’s Salt is used to enhance iron’s shelf life and lower oxidation levels. |
Muriatic Acid |
Hydrochloric Acid |
HCl |
Muriatic Acid is used in leather processing, food additive, and gelatin production. |
Oil of Vitriol |
Sulphuric Acid |
H2SO4 |
Sulphuric Acid is used for making fertilizer |
Phosgene |
Carbonyl Dichloride |
COCl2 |
Phosgene is used for making pesticides and plastics |
Plaster of Paris |
Calcium Sulphate Hemihydrate |
CaSO4.1/2H2O |
Plaster of Paris is mainly used as a protective coating on ceilings and walls. It is also used for making sculptures. |
Potash Alum/ Potassium Alum |
Potassium Aluminum Sulphate Dodecahydrate |
KAl(SO4)2.12H2O |
Potash Alum is mainly used in the purification of water, dyeing, and leather tanning. |
Propan-2-ol |
Isopropyl Alcohol |
(CH3)2CHOH |
Isopropyl Alcohol is mainly used to treat tremors, hypertension, chest pain, heart rhythm disorder and other circulatory conditions. |
Quartz |
Silicon Dioxide (Silica) |
SiO2 |
Quartz is used in making of glass, hydraulic fracturing proppant, foundry sand, and gemstones. |
Quicksilver |
Mercury |
Hg |
Mercury is mainly used in barometers, thermostats, and thermometers |
Rochelle Salt |
Potassium Sodium Tartrate |
KNaC4H4O6.4H2O |
Rochelle salt is used in the production of gelatins and pectins |
Sal Ammoniac |
Ammonium Chloride |
NH4Cl |
Ammonium Chloride is used in industries as a cleaning agent |
Saltpetre |
Potassium Nitrate |
KNO3 |
Saltpetre is commonly used as a food preservative |
Slaked Lime |
Calcium Hydroxide |
Ca(OH)2 |
Slaked Lime is used to form mortars, cement and plasters |
Table Salt/ Common Salt |
Sodium Chloride |
NaCl |
Common Salt enhances the flavour of food and also plays a key role in food preservation. |
TNT |
Trinitrotoluene |
C6H2(NO2)3CH3 |
TNT is used in bombs, military shells and grenades |
Vermillion/ Cinnabar |
Mercuric Sulphide |
HgS |
It is used in colour paints and also as one of the red coloring agents used in tattoo dyes. |
Washing Soda |
Sodium Carbonate Decahydrate |
NaCO3.10H2O |
Washing Soda is used to unclog drains and in commercial detergent, mixtures, to treat hard water. |
Wintergreen Oil |
Methyl Salicylate |
C8H8O3 |
Wintergreen oil is used in traditional medicine for bacterial infections. |
White Vitriol |
Zinc Sulphate |
ZnSO4.7H2O |
White Vitriol is used in the manufacture of rayon fabric. It is used in eye drops and also for preserving skins and wood. |
Knowing these Common Names of Chemical Compounds along with their formulas will be enough for you to sail successfully through the competitive exams like SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, RRB NTPC, etc.