[Fzang]

X is an unusually stable compound.

Why is that unusual? It's stable because of the particular structure. I thought the whole point of science was to eliminate "unusual" phenomena?

Some compounds can be relatively stable or unstable when compared to the "norm", but that's still not unusual in any way? It's not like one compound has supernatural powers while the other has not.

/unusual rant

[MissPhosgene]

I think unusual makes things more interesting. If everything were "usual" it would be boring...

[Fzang]

So we resort to wordplay to make chemistry exciting? 

[nj_bartel]

We create models and theories based on things we observe.  These models and theories may or may not extend to every situation.  When a situation is found that the model or theory doesn't account for, that situation is "unusual" as it deviates.  The model then, hopefully, is revised to fit the new data.

[MissPhosgene]

So we resort to wordplay to make chemistry exciting? 

Nah, not word play. If I knew the outcome of every experiment what would be the point? Everything would be "usual" and known. It's flaws in theory that make it more interesting... not that it isn't fing cool as it is.

I make compounds that fluoresce under uv light. If I knew what color I would get before hand, it wouldn't be so fun shine a light on the sample and see what I have.

[Hybrid]

as they said for every rule there is exeption

[MissPhosgene]

as they said for every rule there is exeption

That's true and great.