Analytical Chemistry

Analytical chemistry is the branch of chemistry that uses specialized techniques to identify and understand the structure and function of chemical substances. These techniques include crystallography, spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and chromatography. Analysis depends on sound laboratory practices and the application of the scientific method for obtaining data from repeated, robustly designed experiments and then using statistical methods to determine probability to the distributions of results. Various competencies are required, therefore, and the cost of not only training suitable personnel but providing appropriate premises and equipment can be high. The practitioners of forensics, for example, have made great strides in identifying such issues as causes and times of death, evidence of poisoning, and locating microscopic scraps of evidence to tie to perpetrators. However, these activities are both labor- and capital-intensive, and so there is considerable pressure on the limited funds possible to disburse on them.

New, or comparatively new, techniques used in analytical chemistry include the consideration of the substance's interaction with gravity (gravimetric analysis), heat (calorimetry), electrical fields (electrochemical analysis), or electric and magnetic fields (mass spectrometry). Physical methods of analysis include separation processes such as chromatography, which passes liquid substances through a suitable medium with the aid of which individual components of a mixture may be identified. The enormous increases in computational power have been of great assistance in facilitating many forms of analysis. New generations of chemistry are likely to focus on biochemical substances and the processes of life and how to improve it. Researchers who can materially contribute to improving life chances and who are able to benefit from capturing intellectual property rights may obtain large profits.

Analytical chemistry and its various techniques have become increasingly important in identifying particular substances in the environment and in determining the interaction between naturally occurring substances and those introduced into the environment. Innovative techniques allied with robotics and related technologies make it possible for [Page 37]accurate analysis in circumstances hostile to human life to a much greater degree than in the past. This form of chemistry has helped to determine safe tolerance levels of chemical substances in the ground or atmosphere, safety of new additives in foodstuffs and drugs, culpability for dumping pollutants, and so forth. However, many of these areas are very complex and subject to lobbying from commercial interests, who may have powerful incentives for attempting to influence regulations or testing criteria.