[[Image:Benzaldehyde.png|right|Benzaldehyde molecule]]The chemical compound '''benzaldehyde''' (C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>5</sub>CHO) consists of a [[benzene]] ring with an [[aldehyde]] group attached to one carbon. It is an important component of the scent of [[almond]]s and has a pleasant, almond-like odor. On oxidation, benzaldehyde is converted into [[benzoic acid]], which has an odor quite unpleasant.
'''Pork barrel''' is a derogatory term used to describe government spending that is intended to enrich constituents of a politician in return for their political support, either in the form of campaign contributions or votes. Typically it involves funding for government programs whose economic or service benefits are concentrated but whose costs are spread among all taxpayers. Public works projects and agricultural subsidies are the most commonly cited examples, but do no exhaust the possibilities. Pork barreling is an important explanation for government deficits.
Molecular weight: 106.12
One of the earliest examples of pork barreling was the [[Bonus Bill]] of 1817, which was introduced by [[John Calhoun]] to construct highways linking the East and South of the United States to its Western frontier using the earnings Bonus from the [[Second Bank of the United States]]. Calhoun argued for it using general welfare and post roads clauses of the United States Constitution. Although he approved of the economic development goal, President James Madison vetoed the bill as [[United States Constitution|unconstitutional]]. Since then however, U.S. presidents have seen the political advantage of pork barreling.
Melting point: -26 C
The [Strategic Defense Initiative] that began under the administration of [Ronald Reagan]] is an example of national security pork barreling. Although the program has failed to generate effective anti-missile weapons and primary threat it was intended to defend against disappeared with the collapse of the Soviet Union, the program continues because the economic benefits are concentrated among a small number of politically powerful aerospace corporations and research universitites.
