We explain the different branches of chemical research.
Thanks to advances in chemistry, our world has made immense strides in transport, agriculture, gastronomy, industry… It is a science that has given much to humanity, thanks to the chemical researchers who dedicated their lives to these fascinating fields of study.
If you’ve ever wondered what exactly chemistry studies, fear not. After discovering some of its main branches, you will surely know this incredible science better.
The main branches of chemistry
Chemistry, like many other sciences, has several subdivisions and specializations that allow it to encompassa greater range of knowledge about the world. The knowledge they generate is usually very useful for the rest of the scientific community, both outside and within the chemical field.
Some of these chemical branches are as follows.
1. Organic chemistry
The branch of organic chemistry is sometimes referred to as “carbon chemistry” because it studies chemical processes similar tothose occurring in nature, where carbon is one of the predominant atoms in the reactions and molecules of living things.
Without organic chemistry we would not have the current dominance over long-chain petrochemicals, from which we createfuels, cosmetics, medication and of course, plastics.
2. Inorganic Chemistry
Inorganic chemistry is responsible for studying compounds that are notcovered by organic chemistry, those that are not characterized by having carbon and hydrogen bonds.
It is a branch of chemistry with wide application, which includes many specializations within it, both theoretical and practical. For example, it is of enormous importance to science in general, since many of the compounds needed for experimentation do not occur naturally.
3. Physical Chemistry
Physical chemistry ( as distinct from chemical physics ) is a branch of the field of chemistry that emphasizes the physical characteristics that occur during chemical reactions. It has strong support in physics and has given rise to disciplines such as thermochemistry, electrochemistry or chemical kinetics , disciplines focused on specific physical characteristics produced during reactions.
- It may interest you: “Enzymes: definition, types and functions”
4. Analytical Chemistry
Analytical chemistry is responsible for analyzing matter, separating, identifying and quantifying its components . Today the focus is on the instrumental analysis of the different components, so many analytical chemists specialize in the use of one or a few instrumental methods of analysis.
Biology, for example, is a science that has greatly benefited from advances in analytical chemistry, which makes use of separation technology such as chromatography , but also gave rise to fluorescence microscopy, among many other advances. .
5. Biochemistry
Biochemistry is a distinct branch of organic chemistry as it is closer to the field of biology . Biochemistry studies the molecules that are produced in living organisms from a biological point of view, trying to explain some of the processes that take place within the biological systems themselves.
Biochemistry could also be considered another branch of biology, a scientific family with which it maintains close contact and collaboration. Cellular and molecular biology, pharmacology, agriculture or nutrition are some of the fields that require the knowledge generated by biochemistry during their research.
- Other important branches of chemistry include:
6. Astrochemistry
Astrochemistry is a science “of space” , which is responsible for studying the composition and reactions of the chemical elements that are observed in the different celestial bodies. The study of the stars, as well as the interaction between the different types of ration and matter, are important objects of study in this field of chemistry.
7. Theoretical Chemistry
The different theoretical branches of chemistry are grouped in the family of theoretical chemistry. This field of study tries to establish theories and general rules for the functioning of matter and chemical reactions, useful for the development of the rest of the sciences in the field.
Among the different branches of theoretical chemistry we would find quantum chemistry, computational chemistry, molecular modeling, mathematical chemistry or the study of molecular dynamics. Lately the field of theoretical chemistry is dominated by quantum chemistry and computational chemistry.
8. Solid State Chemistry
Solid state chemistry, as its name suggests, is responsible for studying the chemical reactions that occur when bodies are in a solid state, where it is more complicated for molecules to interact dynamically. Today this branch of chemistry focuses on obtaining new materials .
9. Medicinal Chemistry
Medicinal chemistry is one that focuses its research efforts on finding solutions to problems that occur in the health field. It has a lot to do with the pharmacological studyand development of new drugs, as well as the evaluation of existing drugs and the discovery of possible interactions between them.
10. Green Chemistry
Green chemistry isthe most environmentalist branch of chemistry. The chemical industry is characterized by producing an enormous amount of pollutants and spending many ecological resources. Given this reality, green chemistry is the science that is responsible for minimizing the environmental impact of different chemical processes, through products such as biodegradable plastics or the replacement of toxic elements with less harmful ones.
11. Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineering isthe branch applied to industry within chemistry. More than the study of chemical reactions, chemical engineers are those who are responsible for devising a suitable industrial operation to make a specific product.
The demands of certain chemical reactions at the energy level, as well as the danger and characteristics of some of its products make chemical engineering a real puzzle where the safety and economic viability of the project are the priority.
References
- layden, J.; Greeves, N. and Warren, S. (2012) Organic Chemistry. Oxford University Press. pp. 1–15. ISBN 0-19-927029-5.
- Clark, J. H.; Luque, R.; Matharu, A. S. (2012). “Green Chemistry, Biofuels, and Biorefinery”. Annual Review of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. 3: 183–207. doi:10.1146/annurev-chembioeng-062011-081014. PMID 22468603.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.