Question 1

What does the cryptic crossword clue "Chemical to decay with lid taken off (5)" mean?

Accepted Answer

The definition is "Chemical". The wordplay uses a deletion. ESTER (deletion) = ESTER; definition: "Chemical" The answer is ESTER.

Question 2

What is the answer to "Chemical to decay with lid taken off (5)"?

Accepted Answer

The answer is ESTER.