The RSC has launched the latest in its series of Faces of Chemistry videos, which teaches chemical concepts in real life contexts. These most recent films focus on the separation of air through fractional distillation and the use of gases in food packaging and freezing food.

Produced in partnership with BOC, the videos feature Keith, an applications engineer, and Sarah, a chemistry graduate who now works in marketing. Together they not only reveal the science involved, but also show the wider possibilities of a career in chemistry.

The video for 11+ students looks at the composition of the air, how BOC cleans it before separating it into its constituent gases and how they are delivered around the country. The 14+ video looks in detail at fractional distillation and the 16+ film investigates the importance of freezing food properly.

Alexandra Kersting