Fine chemical
Fine chemical refers to a trade category for pure chemical substances . There are a very large number of different fine chemicals. A sharp definition does not exist, but common features are
- the production in complex syntheses that include several reaction steps
- production in small quantities (only a few tons or sometimes just a few kilograms per year)
- a guaranteed degree of purity with specific information on the type and amount of contamination
These characteristics also result in a significantly higher price compared to basic chemicals . The manufacturers of fine chemicals mostly belong to the specialty chemicals companies.
Fine chemicals are used among other things
- in chemical syntheses in laboratories
- in chemical analyzes in laboratories
- as food additives (e.g. vitamins and minerals )
- as raw materials in the manufacture of
- active pharmaceutical ingredients
- Polymers ( additives )
- cosmetics
- Detergents and their additives
Certain fine chemicals require a great deal of research effort in order to manufacture or obtain them (example: extraction of natural substances ) if new reaction paths and purification processes are necessary. One problem with many fine chemicals is that the way they are manufactured can generate large amounts of waste, which makes atom economy poor. For example, the increasing demand for enantiomerically pure substances often leads to an inevitable increase in unused by-products .
Individual evidence
- ↑ a b Otto-Albrecht Neumüller (Ed.): Römpps Chemie-Lexikon. Volume 2: Cm-G. 8th revised and expanded edition. Franckh'sche Verlagshandlung, Stuttgart 1981, ISBN 3-440-04512-9 , p. 1249.