How chemistry underpinned the First World War

The industrial-scale death and destruction of the First World War could not have occurred without the industrial-scale production of a vast variety of chemicals. They included the high explosives used to fill artillery shells, the propellants for firing the shells, and highly toxic chemical warfare agents such as chlorine, phosgene and mustard gas. Chemicals, however, were used not just to kill, maim and destroy, they were also used to prevent the spread of infection and help care for the sick and wounded.