Dear Chemical Wiz,

I was given this challenge by a friend.
I am looking for an inexspensive chemical that is completely odorless,
and is edible. It may not taste great, but it will not harm the body
to eat it.
Thanks always.
-Will Stein

---

Clarification of Question by willstein-ga on 07 Jan 2003 14:57 PST

Clarification:

Yes it can be a powder, and it may also be a liquid.
My friend challenged me, because he wants to play a childish prank.
Basically its simply to pour onto some food, at his annual April Fools
party.
Therefore we need a chemical that is inexpspensive, odorless, and safe
to eat. (I would be hoping that this chemical be as foul tasting as
possible. Sorry for being a little messy in my first post, I hope this
clears it up a little bit.)
Thanks a lot,
-Will Stein

Hi Will,

I saw this question and laughed out loud, because it immediately
brought back memories of high school Chemistry (more than 15 years
ago, so that should tell you how effective the lesson was!).

My teacher brought in a white powder and encouraged us to guess what
it was by whatever means necessary.  She assured us that it was not
toxic.  We sniffed it (no smell), we touched it (felt like sugar),
visually examined it (looked like sugar), and one of our number
decided to be brave and taste it.  Her eyes bulged, her whole face
scrunched up and she blurted out "That's TART!"

The substance was pure ascorbic acid - better known as vitamin C.  I
wouldn't call it "foul" tasting, but it really is incredibly tart! 
It's also versatile - you can mix it with food, or mix it with liquid
- the more you add, the tarter the taste.  Not only is it completely
harmless, it's actually good for you.

"Ascorbic acid appears as a white or off-white odorless crystalline
powder with an acid taste."

Acid Basics
http://www.foodproductdesign.com/archive/1993/0593DE.html

"Ascorbic acid is a white, odorless crystal..."

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/featuredmicroscopist/modderman/vitamincsmall.html

You can purchase ascorbic acid for $9.83 for a one pound pail through
The Chemistry Store:

Ascorbic Acid
http://www.chemistrystore.com/Ascorbic_Acid.htm

It might also be available in smaller quantities through photographic
supply stores, as it is used in photo developing.

Good luck!

--Missy

Search terms:  [ ascorbic acid ]

Excellent answer. Excellent

SODIUM CARBOXYMETHYL CELLULOSE is edible and odourless.
http://www.hastand.com/specs-scmcellulose.html
http://www.sgfuihoo.com/doce/cpjs.htm

It appears to be quite expensive.
http://www.chinachemnet.com/company/0041e.htm

I'd say gelatin.

First of all, get the kind for making jelly with, not made from animal
by-products (i.e. not Jello brand) but made from sea weed.

Get a non-flavored kind (so no odor). 

Not sure how to give it a 'horrible' taste with spice or liquid
flavoring that wouldn't also give an odor.

Dihydrogen monoxide (water) is a chemical that is inexpensive, edible,
and odorless. If, by 'edible', you mean something that must be chewed,
you can freeze the water.

A little more detail is needed, the term chemical could cover almost
anything!
1. Does it need a specific form, such as solid, liquid, powder, or
gas?
2. In what quantity might it be ingested (even plain water, about as
harmless as one can get, can be a problem is large enough quantities,
or temperatures!
3. Is color a requirement? Clear, white, brown, various other
colors???
4. How "complex" a compound is acceptable, would a simple material
like table salt (Sodium Cloride -NaCl) be OK?
Maybe we need to know what the purpose is????

Glycerine

knowitall22

Ethyl Alcohol (could be quite enjoyable!)
Sucrose, Maltose, Fructose, other sugars
Citric Acid, Acetic Acid, Malic Acid

If you want something really foul tasting; I would suggest buying a
small bottle of liquid grapefruit kernel (or seed) extract... It
tastes horrible!

Another prank could be to use Methylthionine Chloride (Methylene
Blue). It is harmless; and colors the urine blue (or green) if
ingested. You have to hide the color tho; maybe put it in brownies:-)

You all suck, this is a riddle and you think to much.  Here's your easy answer.

WATER!!  Have ye know brains?

Sincerely,
Me

It is not a riddle, it is simply a challenge.