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The History of the Chemical Industry
Early Times and Alchemy (until around the 17th century)
In ancient cultures (Egypt, China, India), chemical processes were used to produce paints, metals, glass or remedies.
Alchemy in the Middle Ages was a mixture of mysticism and the art of experimentation. The aim was often the transmutation of metals (e.g. lead into gold) or the search for the philosopher's stone.
Even though alchemy was often scientifically imprecise, it developed important laboratory equipment and processes (distillation, sublimation, etc.).
Emergence of Modern Chemistry (17th-18th century)
With scientists such as Robert Boyle, Antoine Lavoisier and Joseph Priestley, chemistry began to establish itself as an empirical science.
Lavoisier refuted the phlogiston theory and established the law of conservation of mass - a milestone.
Chemical elements were systematically studied and classified.
Industrial Revolution (19th century)
Chemistry was increasingly used industrially - especially in areas such as:
Dyes (e.g. tar dyes from coal)
Fertilizers
Acids (sulphuric acid, nitric acid).
The foundation of large chemical companies began, e.g. BASF (1865), Bayer (1863) or Hoechst (1863).
Discovery of organic chemistry, synthesis of new substances (such as urea by Wöhler in 1828) showed that “organic” substances could also be produced in the laboratory.
Early 20th Century
The chemical industry continued to boom with products such as plastics (e.g. Bakelite), explosives and pharmaceuticals.
During the First World War, it played a role in the production of warfare agents (e.g. mustard gas) - which tarnished its image.
The discovery of polymers led to new materials (nylon, Teflon, PVC).
Post-War Period and Modern Chemistry (from 1945)
Major advances in petrochemicals, the plastics industry, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.
New products: Plastics, detergents, medicines, pesticides.
At the same time, environmental problems grew: pollution, toxins, disasters (e.g. Seveso, Bhopal) led to stricter regulation.
Development of “green chemistry”, which is supposed to be more environmentally friendly.
Chemical Industry Today
A global industry with billions in sales.
Focus on sustainability, CO₂ reduction, recycling and renewable raw materials.
Digital technologies and artificial intelligence are increasingly playing a role in research, development and production.
