Fine Chemicals, Production

Abstract Fine chemicals are low volume, high priced chemical intermediates and bulk active ingredients primarily used in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, but also in other specialties, such as dyestuffs and pigments, flavors and fragrances, and food and feed additives. In contrast to specialty chemicals, these are mostly sold within the chemical industry and according to specifications rather than performance criteria. Fine chemicals typically are manufactured in multipurpose plants starting from commodity chemicals and involving several distinct synthetic steps. The core production unit is a train of one or more modules where several fine chemicals can be produced in compaign fashion in the same production train. A complete plant also contains other facilities. Research and development play an important role, as does plant design.