Analytical chemistry is the branch of chemistry that deals with the analysis of different substances. It involves the use of instruments and methods to separate, identify, and quantify matter. Analytical chemistry is focused on obtaining, processing, and communicating information about the composition and structure of matter. The field has broad applications to medicine, science, and engineering. Analytical chemistry has been important since the early days of chemistry, providing methods for determining which elements and chemicals are present in the object in question.
Analytical chemistry has two main areas of focus: qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis. Qualitative analysis is concerned with identifying the presence or absence of a particular substance in a sample, while quantitative analysis is concerned with determining the amount of a particular substance in a sample. Analytical chemistry has applications in a variety of areas, including pharmaceuticals, food production, environmental monitoring, and forensic science.
Analytical chemists use a variety of techniques and instruments to analyze samples, including chromatography, spectroscopy, and electrochemistry. They may work in a variety of settings, including research and development, quality control, and regulatory compliance. Analytical chemistry plays an increasingly important role in the pharmaceutical industry, where it is used in the discovery of new drug candidates and in clinical applications where understanding the interactions between the drug and the patient are critical.
