This puzzle is a combination of a word search and a crossword puzzle. Like as in a word search, there is a grid of letter (elemental symbols) in a jumbled grid. Only some of these letter when isolated can form real words (chemical compounds). Like in a word search, the same atom can be used multiple times in different compounds.

Like in a crossword puzzle, the clues specify properties of the sought word (compounds) instead of directly telling you the answer. This puzzle will require a knowledge of chemistry and creativity!

The lines between atoms represent generic bonds: they can be single, double, or triple bonds as desired. Assume that any circled compound is then saturated with hydrogens. For example, a circled pair of carbons counts as ethane, ethylene (ethene), and acetylene (ethyne).

Many of these questions have multiple answers, some of which are easy to find, some of which are more obscure.

Can you find:

1. Something acidic?
2. A notable greenhouse gas?
3. A diamine?
4. Another notable greenhouse gas?
5. Something lethal?
6. Something NOxious?
7. Something glacial?
8. Something fermented?
9. A precursor for dyeings?
10. A welding fuel?
11. An amino acid?
12. A rocket propellant?
13. An isomer of vaping fluid?
14. An anaesthetic?

Check your answers here!

This piece was originally published in the pages of the Winged Post on May 7, 2018.