Date of Issue : 17 January 2011
The UN General Assembly declared the year 2011 to be the International Year of Chemistry (IYC). The main theme of IYC 2011 is "Chemistry - Our Life, Our Future" focused on the achievements of chemistry and its contribution to well-functioning human society. Slovakia has issued a stamp on 17 January, commemorating the International Year of Chemistry.
Issue of “International Year of Chemistry 2011” is based on the environmentally motivated idea. We are alive because of the ingenious natural chemical reaction – photosynthesis, which ensures the existence of life on earth. Its exceptional performance and waste-free process makes photosynthesis an example, which shows the direction of chemically motivated human activity.
The basis of the stamp design is made up of two important chemical compounds, water and carbon dioxide, depicted according to the calotte model, which interact in photosynthesis. Colouring of the stamp reflects dual-wise two basic stages of photosynthesis: light – in the form of sunlight and dark – in the form of blue colour symbolizing water. Sunlight and chlorophyll are the catalyst of photosynthesis, which results in oxygen and glucose, two molecules of life, having an essential role in our lives.
FDC
The green leaf appears on the first day cover (FDC), representing chlorophyll, along with formulas of entering and generated chemical compounds and completes the picture of this unique photochemical reaction. C60 fullerene is pictured on the FDC stamp. It is one of several allotropic forms of carbon. Fullerenes are of significant importance and they are used in nanotechnology, which is one of the most attractive technologies of chemistry today.
International Year of Chemistry 2011
Commemorative sheet of Belgic Post
(Joint Issue)
