News Release
November 1998
The Department of Chemistry and International Club at
Moravian College will present a lecture, "Chemicals in the Marketplace
in Thailand," on Wednesday, November 18, at 4:00 p.m. in the Dana
Lecture Hall (Collier Hall of Science). The lecture is free and open
to the public.
Dr. Conrad Bergo, Professor of Chemistry, East Stroudsburg
University, will discuss how the beautiful jewelry we wear, the colorful
fabrics we wear, the aromatic flowers we enjoy, and the good food we
eat all contain interesting compounds. Local industries in Thailand
use chemistry in silver making, silk weaving, and orchid farming. The
colors of oranges, tomatoes, and shrimp all come from a family of compounds
that give the aroma to the structure of vitamin A. Dr. Bergo will explain
how particular compounds give aroma to jasmine, sweetness to fruit,
flavors to garlic and onions, taste to basil and tamarind, and hotness
to peppers. A select number of local medicines will be discussed. All
of these compounds are important because they add color and flavor to
our lives. A printed handout of chemical structures will be given to
the audience. Also, a taste of Thai food will be served for sampling.
For more information, call Moravian College at (610) 861-3916.
