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This work celebrates the "International Year of Chemistry -2011", by providing "for the first time", the structures at the atomic level of two important molecules, namely, ascorbic acid and aspirin. Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, was discovered as a cure for scurvy which claimed many human lives and hence got its name. It is also supposed to be an antioxidant and to prevent flu. Aspirin is synthesized from salicylic acid and is widely used as a remedy for flu and has other medical uses such as saving the lives of cardiac patients as an anticoagulant of blood. The biochemistry and chemistry of both these compounds have been evolving for nearly a century ever since their discoveries. Here, the atomic structures of these compounds have been presented where the known lengths of the various chemical bonds are exact sums of the appropriate radii of the adjacent atoms.

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AbstractGreen Chemistry is also known as sustainable chemistry or benign chemistry. It is concerned with developing processes and products that reduce or eliminate the use of and generation of hazardous substances. In the 21st century today’s students are particularly interested in matters that affect their health and well-being of the planet. To deal with such challenges of students the concept of Green and Sustainable Chemistry not only offers an excellent opportunity to address some of these concerns, but also provides us with a useful way to advance the way we do chemistry. Green chemistry is an ideal focus for undergraduate science education. A strong laboratory component is at the heart of many science courses. In this chapter some of the green chemistry principles and methodologies used to device certain undergraduate laboratory experiments and research are discussed.

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