When I was in MedTech school, our chemistry professor shared this story to us.
It was a typical day and she was busy prepping a variety of chemicals for her class the next day. When she got done, she left the lab and took a jeepney ride home. Just an FYI, jeepneys are recycled World War 2 jeeps used in the Philippines as the country’s main mode of public transportation. During rush hour, you have to squeeze pretty tightly with fellow passengers just to get in one.
When she got on, she did her expected squeeze and finally got seated. To her surprise, all eyes from her fellow passengers fell on her. She didn’t have a clue why they were looking at her funny. Some of them covered up with a hanky like something really stinks.
Clueless as she was at the time, this went on for a few minutes until something dawned on her. One of the chemicals she was working on was butyric acid.
Just to give an idea what it is like, butyric acid is responsible for the putrid smell of rancid butter and the unpleasant odor of vomit.
Much to her dismay and embarrassment, she realized that she smelled strongly of rancid butter and puke at the time, and it was the longest ride home she ever had.?
Submitted by:
Ian Glenn Tiu
Laboratory Manager
Iowa USA
