10 EXAMPLES OF CHEMICAL PROCESSES - CHEMISTRY - 2025

A chemical process is any action that allows taking a material and transforming it into a final product with different characteristics.

Chemical processes are normally capable of modifying the properties, conditions or the state of an element so that it can be used in a different way.

There are numerous chemical processes in everyday life, many of which are vital in natural cycles and in the industrialized world.

It is precisely in industry where chemical processes and reactions are most used, either to generate more resistant materials or with more suitable conditions for a specific purpose.

Examples of chemical reactions and processes

Some chemical processes such as photosynthesis occur naturally, while others such as the creation of alloys are man-made.

1- Fermentation

It is an incomplete oxidation process where a reactive agent (such as yeast) causes the accelerated proliferation of microorganisms normally fed glucose to form other derivatives such as carbohydrates or alcohol.

It occurs naturally in living beings, however its use at an industrial level is used to create many foods, especially liquors such as wine and beer, and basic foods, such as bread.

2- Alloy

In metallurgy, the process and material obtained by combining one metal element with another is called an alloy, whether this is a metal or not.

It is used to obtain stronger materials, more resistant to corrosion or more visible to the eye. Bronze, steel, and brass are examples of alloys.

3- Coagulation

Coagulation is a natural activity present in many living beings, including humans.

It consists of a change in the consistency of the blood, from liquid to a kind of gel. It is a natural response of the body to prevent blood loss.

4- Corrosion

It is a chemical reaction of the reduction - oxidation type, where one element gains electrons while another loses them (the oxidant) significantly modifying its characteristics.

In the case of metals, corrosion causes a loss of hardness, malleability and electrical conductivity.

5- Hydrolysis

Process by which an acid or a salt is dissolved in water to cause the exchange of anions and cations to decompose the elements.

6- ionization

This process occurs when the application of an electrical charge generates ions that pass from one conductor to another to artificially create atoms or molecules, such as ozone.

It has several uses, such as water purification.

7- Precipitated

The precipitate consists of the creation of a soft solid by adding insoluble substances in a solution.

In chemistry and medicine it is used to create carbonates.

8- Nuclear fusion

It is the union of light atoms in other heavier ones for their later "bombardment" with some element that causes their expansion in an accelerated way.

Nuclear fusion is a process capable of releasing huge amounts of energy. Currently it is used for the generation of electrical energy and the creation of war devices.

9- Photosynthesis

It is the ability of autotrophic beings to synthesize their food from inorganic matter with the help of light.

This process is observed in plants, which is why they are said to be self-sustaining entities.

10- Combustion

Any chemical reaction that rapidly oxidizes a fuel element combined with an oxidizer (commonly oxygen) to produce heat is classified as combustion.

It is one of the most relevant chemical processes for humans, since since its discovery it has revolutionized human life.

Combustion is present in many daily activities such as motor vehicles, gas stoves or heating.

References

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6. Chemical and Process Engineering (sf). Retrieved on November 13, 2017, from the University of Surrey.