Chemistry question threads: how to type chemistry on the forums!

[zsteve]

Surprise surprise, we are now able to type up real chemistry on the AN forums. Gone are the days of 'is it a subscript? is it a superscript? no, it's a coefficient!'

The mhchem chemistry typesetting package has been kindly installed on the forum system, so here are some pointers on how to use it:
- When you need to input a chemical formula, start off by opening a Latex region, and then enter your chemical formula inside \ce{<chemical formula here>}

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\(\ce{NaBH4}\)The above leads to: \(\ce{NaBH4}\)

- Typesetting reactions can be done using arrows: <=> (equilibrium), and -> (unidirectional)
For instance:

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\(\ce{N2(g) + 2H2(g) <=> N2H4(g)}\)\(\ce{N2(g) + 2H2(g) <=> N2H4(g)}\)

Also,

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\(\ce{H2C=CH2 + Cl2 -> CH2ClCH2Cl}\)
\(\ce{H2C=CH2 + Cl2 -> CH2ClCH2Cl}\)

Have fun, and if you need to use more advanced features, they are documented here: http://mirror.aut.ac.nz/CTAN/macros/latex/contrib/mhchem/mhchem.pdf, or post in this thread and I'll periodically reply to answers as best I know how