Letter: Letters: Chemical cockups

From IAN FERGUSON

Recent chemistry in New Scientist needs correction.

Calcium oxalate does not decompose to give oxygen (‘Trees to fuel Africa’s
fires’, 29 August). The decomposition first produces carbon monoxide and,
at a higher temperature, carbon dioxide.

Various catalysts are described as containing hydrated hydroxides (Science,
5 September), but below the catalyst’s operating temperature such phases
will have decomposed.

Caerin 1.1 (Science, 5 September) should be described as having a molecular
mass of 2582 daltons and not units.

Ian Ferguson Preston, Lancashire