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Letter: Letters: Chemical cockups

Published 3 October 1992

From IAN FERGUSON

Recent chemistry in Â鶹´«Ã½ needs correction.

Calcium oxalate does not decompose to give oxygen (‘Trees to fuel Africa’s
fires’, 29 August). The decomposition first produces carbon monoxide and,
at a higher temperature, carbon dioxide.

Various catalysts are described as containing hydrated hydroxides (Science,
5 September), but below the catalyst’s operating temperature such phases
will have decomposed.

Caerin 1.1 (Science, 5 September) should be described as having a molecular
mass of 2582 daltons and not units.

Ian Ferguson Preston, Lancashire

Issue no. 1841 published 3 October 1992

Â鶹´«Ã½ issue 1841 cover

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