Here are a few common chemicals that we come in contact with each day. But can you suggest what they are used for? Try to think of some of their more obscure uses too…
PVC
Polyurethane
ABS
Polycarbonate
Nylon
Polyester
PET
Polypropylene
Titanium dioxide
For a bit of background reading (such as uses and outlook and process technology, as well as a lot more) for each of the listed chemicals above then please click on the following link to access the free ICIS chemical intelligence pages http://www.icis.com/v2/chemicals/chemicals_a-z.aspx
Would like to know more about chemical discoveries throughout the centuries? Some were discovered by chance of even "happy accident" or even when scientists were looking for something entirely different. Find out more about their applications on the Discovery timeline.
http://www.petrochemistry.net
ICIS Chemical Business ran a History of Chemicals issue in May 2008. Here are some of the stories, including some "happy accidents" you mentioned. Hey, my brother may have been a happy accident as well!
http://www.icis.com/Articles/2008/05/12/9122447/polyethylene-discovered-by-accident-75-years-ago.html
http://www.icis.com/Articles/2008/05/12/9122056/history-of-the-synthetic-rubber-industry.html
http://www.icis.com/Articles/2008/05/12/9122446/herbert-dow-founder-of-dow-chemical-took-on-competitors-and-the-german-bromine-cartel.html
http://www.icis.com/Articles/2008/05/12/9122818/a-timeline-of-chemical-manufacturing.html