A historiographical study of Jane Marcet’s role in spreading chemistry knowledge to a wider audience in the 19th century is presented here. Her efforts to spread scientific knowledge were crucial to sharing the most important theories of chemistry among different audiences, particularly women and young people. Through her book, “Conversations on Chemistry,” which was published in several editions from 1806 to 1853, she contributed significantly to chemistry education. Despite controversy over the large number of editions, this text is a strong witness to the active participation of women in science. Her scientific rigor and contribution to narrative strategies in chemistry pedagogy have given Jane Marcet consideration not only as an important woman in the scientific community of England during the first half of the 19th century but also as a central figure in the early development of chemistry diffusion and education.

We have investigated the molecular, electronic and optical properties of the [Os(tpy-py)2]2+ complex (tpy-py = 4'-(4-pyridyl)-2,2':6',2"-terpyridine) and its protonated derivative [Os(tpy-pyH)2]4+ through Density Functional Relativistic calculations including Scalar and Spin Orbit corrections. The molecular geometry of the parent complex is not strongly modified by the protonation at the basic nitrogen atoms of the pyridine moieties of the terpyridine ligands in the complex. On the other hand, the optical properties of these complexes can be controlled by a change in the chemical acid-base environment, converting them into suitable materials to act as molecular switches or pH sensor devices.