Analytical Chemistry: Introduction, Methods, Branches, Importance, Applications

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:15 PM IST

Analytical chemistry is the branch of chemistry that deals with the analysis of different substances.

Introduction

Analytical chemistry involves the separation,identification, and quantification of matter and it involves the use of classical methods along with modern methods which are involved in the use of scientific instruments.

Methods Of Analytical Chemistry

Analytical chemistry involves the following methods.

The methods are-

The process of separation isolates the required chemical species which can be analysed from a mixture.
The identification of the analyte substance is achieved by the method of qualitative analysis.
The concentration of the analyte in a given in mixture can be determined with the method of quantitative analysis.

This Story also Contains

Introduction
Methods Of Analytical Chemistry
Methods Used In Analytical Chemistry
Branches of Analytical Chemistry
Importance of Analytical Chemistry
Applications of Analytical Chemistry

Analytical Chemistry

Methods Used In Analytical Chemistry

The methods used to determine the identity and the quantity of the analytes in the field of analytical chemistry are broadly divided into two categories. They are classical and instrumental methods.

1. Classical Methods

There exist many classical methods of checking for the presence or absence of a particular compound in a given analyte like an acid test for gold.
One more example of a classical method for qualitative analysis is the Kastle-Meyer test which employs phenolphthalein as an indicator to check for the presence of haemoglobin in the given analyte.
Flame tests can also be used to check for the presence of specific elements in an analyte by exposing it to a flame and observing the change in the colour of the flame.
Gravimetric analysis is also considered under the classical method of quantitative analysis, which can be used in analytical chemistry and is determined by the amount of water in a hydrate by heating it and then calculating the weight of the water lost.
One of the better-known classical methods of quantitative analysis is volumetric analysis, which is also known as the titration method.

2. Instrumental Methods

In Instrumental Methods Spectroscopy involves the measurement of the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and the atoms or molecules belonging to a sample.
And with the help of electric fields and magnetic fields, the method of mass spectroscopy is used to measure the ratio of the mass of the molecule to its charge.
The common instrumental method used in the field of analytical chemistry is electrochemical analysis because in this method, the analyte is placed in an electrochemical cell and the voltage or the current flowing through it is measured.
The interaction between the analyte and energy in the form of heat is studied in the discipline of analytical chemistry which is known as calorimetry. A calorimeter is an instrument which is used to measure the heat of a chemical reaction.

It can be noted that even biological measurements are made with the help of this branch of chemistry, and this field is called bioanalytical chemistry.

Branches of Analytical Chemistry

Two sub-branches come under analytical chemistry. They are quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis.

These two methods are the backbone of many educational labs of analytical chemistry.

1. Quantitative Analysis

Quantitative Analysis is a method which helps to determine the absolute or relative quantity regarding the concentration of one or more substances present in a sample or compound.

For example, let us take a sample of an unknown solid substance. The chemists first use “qualitative” methods to identify what type of compound is present in the sample, then adopt the quantitative analysis procedure to determine the exact amount or the quantity of the compound which is present in the sample.

Some Quantitative analysis techniques are Gravimetric Analysis and Volumetric analysis.

2.Qualitative Analysis

Quality is defined as the standard or the feature of one substance. The qualitative analysis method deals with the determination of the quality of a particular compound, irrespective of its quantity or concentration.

The qualitative analysis method can be measured in different ways like Chemical tests, flame tests, etc and several tests are widely used in the salt analysis (identification of the cation & anion of inorganic salts).

Importance of Analytical Chemistry

Analytical chemistry is the branch taught in almost all schools and colleges but its applications are made in pharmaceutical industries, food factories, chemical industries, agricultural industries and scientific laboratories also. The tools which are used for this purpose are quite expensive and cannot be affordable at home.

Applications of Analytical Chemistry

Important applications of Analytical Chemistry are listed below.

The shelf lives of many medicines can be determined with the help of analytical chemistry.
Analytical Chemistry is also used to check for the presence of adulterants in drugs.
Analytical Chemistry is employed in the process of chromatography where the blood samples of a person are classified.
The concentration of pesticide residues and contaminants in a given food sample can also be determined by analytical chemistry.
Analytical Chemistry also has many important applications in medicine, with its use in the testing of cholesterol and glucose levels in a blood sample.
It is an integral part of forensic science, clinical analysis, and even environmental analysis.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is analytical chemistry used for?

Analytical chemistry is used in drug manufacturing, medical diagnostic, forensic survey, soil testing to check for appropriate concentrations of minerals and nutrients, environmental monitoring and it is also of great role in different research areas.

2. What are the two types of analytical chemistry?

The two types of analytical chemistry are quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis.

3. What are the two types of analytical chemistry?

The two types of analytical chemistry are quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis.

4. Is analytical chemistry organic or inorganic?

Analytical chemistry comes underInorganic chemistry.

5. Who is the father of analytical chemistry?

The father of analytical chemistry is Izaak Maurits Kolthoff.

6. What are the 3 main objectives of analytical chemistry?

The three main objective of analytical chemistry is-

Analytical chemistry is used to develop an understanding of the range and uses of analytical methods in chemistry.
It is also used to establish an appreciation of the role of chemistry in quantitative analysis.
And it is used to develop an understanding of the broad role of the chemist in measurement and problem solving for analytical tasks.

7. What are the main goals of analytical chemistry?

The main goals of analytical chemistry are to:

8. How does electrochemistry contribute to analytical chemistry?

Electrochemistry in analytical chemistry involves studying chemical reactions that involve electron transfer. It's used in techniques like voltammetry and potentiometry to measure concentrations of electroactive species, determine oxidation states, and analyze reaction mechanisms.

9. What is the role of sample preparation in analytical chemistry?

Sample preparation is crucial in analytical chemistry as it ensures that the sample is in a suitable form for analysis. It may involve steps like dissolution, extraction, concentration, or removal of interfering substances to improve the accuracy and reliability of the analytical results.

10. What is spectroscopy, and how is it used in analytical chemistry?

Spectroscopy is a technique that studies the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation. In analytical chemistry, it's used to identify and quantify substances based on their unique spectral patterns. Common types include UV-Vis, IR, and NMR spectroscopy.

11. What is mass spectrometry, and why is it important in analytical chemistry?

Mass spectrometry is a technique that ionizes chemical species and sorts the ions based on their mass-to-charge ratio. It's important in analytical chemistry for identifying unknown compounds, determining molecular structures, and measuring isotope ratios with high sensitivity and accuracy.

12. What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative analysis in analytical chemistry?

Qualitative analysis determines what substances are present in a sample, identifying the components without measuring amounts. Quantitative analysis measures how much of each substance is present, providing numerical data on concentrations or amounts of components in a sample.

13. How does analytical chemistry differ from other branches of chemistry?

Analytical chemistry is unique in its focus on measuring and analyzing chemical substances, while other branches like organic or inorganic chemistry primarily deal with synthesis and properties. Analytical chemistry provides tools and techniques used across all areas of chemistry to determine what substances are present and in what quantities.

14. What is the role of chemometrics in analytical chemistry?

Chemometrics is the application of mathematical and statistical methods to chemical data. In analytical chemistry, it's used for:

15. How does analytical chemistry contribute to clinical diagnostics?

Analytical chemistry contributes to clinical diagnostics by:

16. How does analytical chemistry support nanotechnology research?

Analytical chemistry supports nanotechnology research by:

17. What is the importance of calibration in analytical measurements?

Calibration is essential in analytical chemistry to ensure the accuracy and reliability of measurements. It involves comparing the instrument's response to known standards, allowing for the correction of systematic errors and the establishment of a relationship between the instrument's signal and the concentration of the analyte.

18. What is the role of statistical analysis in analytical chemistry?

Statistical analysis in analytical chemistry is crucial for:

19. How does analytical chemistry contribute to environmental science?

Analytical chemistry plays a vital role in environmental science by:

20. How does analytical chemistry contribute to drug discovery and development?

Analytical chemistry plays a vital role in drug discovery and development by:

21. How does analytical chemistry support forensic science?

Analytical chemistry supports forensic science by providing techniques to:

22. What is analytical chemistry?

Analytical chemistry is a branch of chemistry that focuses on the separation, identification, and quantification of chemical components in natural and artificial materials. It involves developing and applying methods to determine the composition of substances.

23. What is the role of miniaturization in analytical chemistry?

Miniaturization in analytical chemistry involves developing smaller, portable analytical devices. This trend:

24. How does analytical chemistry contribute to the study of atmospheric chemistry?

Analytical chemistry contributes to atmospheric chemistry by:

25. What is the principle behind ion mobility spectrometry?

Ion mobility spectrometry separates ions based on their mobility in a gas under an electric field. Ions are introduced into a drift tube with a counter-flowing gas

26. What is the difference between destructive and non-destructive analytical techniques?

Destructive techniques require consuming or altering the sample during analysis, while non-destructive techniques allow for analysis without damaging the sample. Non-destructive methods are preferred for valuable or limited samples, but destructive techniques may offer higher sensitivity or more comprehensive analysis in some cases.

27. How does X-ray diffraction (XRD) contribute to analytical chemistry?

X-ray diffraction is used in analytical chemistry to:

28. What is the principle behind nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy?

NMR spectroscopy is based on the principle that certain atomic nuclei absorb and emit radio frequency energy when placed in a magnetic field. The specific frequency of this energy depends on the chemical environment of the nucleus, allowing NMR to provide detailed information about molecular structure and dynamics.

29. What is the principle behind inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)?

ICP-MS combines a high-temperature ICP source with a mass spectrometer. The ICP source converts the sample into ions, which are then separated and detected by the mass spectrometer based on their mass-to-charge ratio. This technique allows for highly sensitive multi-element analysis and isotope ratio measurements.

30. What is the principle behind Raman spectroscopy?

Raman spectroscopy is based on the inelastic scattering of light by molecules. When light interacts with a molecule, a small fraction of photons are scattered with a change in energy corresponding to the molecule's vibrational modes. This provides information about molecular structure and composition without sample preparation.

31. How does high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) differ from gas chromatography (GC)?

HPLC uses a liquid mobile phase to separate components through a column, while GC uses a gas mobile phase. HPLC is suitable for non-volatile and thermally unstable compounds, while GC is better for volatile compounds. HPLC typically operates at room temperature, while GC often requires elevated temperatures.

32. How does chromatography work in analytical chemistry?

Chromatography is a separation technique that distributes components of a mixture between two phases: a stationary phase and a mobile phase. As the mobile phase moves through the stationary phase, different components separate based on their affinity for each phase, allowing for identification and quantification.

33. What is the principle behind atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS)?

Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) is based on the principle that atoms absorb light at specific wavelengths characteristic of the element. In AAS, the sample is atomized, and light of a specific wavelength is passed through it. The amount of light absorbed is proportional to the concentration of the element, allowing for quantitative analysis.

34. What is the principle behind ion-selective electrodes?

Ion-selective electrodes are based on the principle of measuring the electrical potential difference across a membrane that is selectively permeable to a specific ion. The potential difference is proportional to the logarithm of the ion's activity, allowing for quantitative analysis of ion concentrations in solution.

35. What is the difference between accuracy and precision in analytical measurements?

Accuracy refers to how close a measurement is to the true value, while precision refers to the reproducibility of measurements. A method can be precise (giving consistent results) without being accurate (if those results are consistently wrong). Ideally, analytical methods should be both accurate and precise.

36. How does analytical chemistry support materials science?

Analytical chemistry supports materials science by:

37. How does analytical chemistry contribute to food science and safety?

Analytical chemistry contributes to food science and safety by:

38. How does analytical chemistry support art conservation and authentication?

Analytical chemistry supports art conservation and authentication by:

39. How does analytical chemistry contribute to the development of renewable energy technologies?

Analytical chemistry contributes to renewable energy technologies by:

40. What is the principle behind thermal analysis techniques like DSC and TGA?

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measures heat flow into or out of a sample as a function of temperature, revealing phase transitions and chemical reactions. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) measures mass changes in a sample with temperature, providing information on composition and thermal stability of materials.

41. How does analytical chemistry support the study of climate change?

Analytical chemistry supports climate change research by:

42. What is the principle behind flow injection analysis (FIA)?

Flow injection analysis is based on injecting a sample into a continuously flowing carrier stream. The sample mixes with reagents in the stream, and the resulting product is detected. FIA allows for rapid, automated analysis with high sample throughput and minimal sample consumption.

43. How does analytical chemistry contribute to the field of proteomics?

Analytical chemistry contributes to proteomics by:

44. What is the principle behind capillary electrophoresis?

Capillary electrophoresis separates molecules based on their size and charge in an electric field. The sample is introduced into a narrow capillary filled with an electrolyte, and an electric field is applied. Molecules migrate at different rates depending on their charge-to-size ratio, allowing for separation and analysis.

45. How does analytical chemistry support the development of new materials?

Analytical chemistry supports new materials development by:

46. What is the principle behind matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)?

MALDI is an ionization technique used in mass spectrometry. It involves mixing the sample with a matrix material that absorbs laser energy. When irradiated with a laser, the matrix vaporizes and ionizes, carrying the sample molecules into the gas phase as ions. This gentle ionization is particularly useful for large biomolecules.

47. How does analytical chemistry support the field of metabolomics?

Analytical chemistry supports metabolomics by:

48. What is the principle behind atomic force microscopy (AFM)?

Atomic force microscopy uses a very sharp tip on a cantilever to scan the surface of a sample. As the tip moves over the surface, interactions between the tip and the sample cause the cantilever to deflect. These deflections are measured, typically using a laser, to create a high-resolution topographical map of the surface.

49. How does analytical chemistry contribute to the field of toxicology?

Analytical chemistry contributes to toxicology by:

50. What is the principle behind isotope dilution mass spectrometry?

Isotope dilution mass spectrometry involves adding a known amount of an isotopically labeled version of the analyte to the sample. By measuring the ratio of the labeled to unlabeled analyte, highly accurate quantification can be achieved, as factors affecting both species equally cancel out.

51. How does analytical chemistry support the development of biosensors?

Analytical chemistry supports biosensor development by:

52. What is the principle behind supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC)?

Supercritical fluid chromatography uses a supercritical fluid (often CO2) as the mobile phase. The properties of the supercritical fluid can be tuned by adjusting temperature and pressure, allowing for efficient separation of compounds that are difficult to separate by traditional liquid or gas chromatography.

53. How does analytical chemistry contribute to the study of ocean chemistry?

Analytical chemistry contributes to ocean chemistry by:

54. What is the principle behind secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS)?

Secondary ion mass spectrometry involves bombarding a sample surface with a focused ion beam. This causes the emission of secondary ions from the sample, which are then analyzed by a mass spectrometer. SIMS provides highly sensitive surface analysis and can be used for depth profiling of materials.

55. How does analytical chemistry support the field of archaeometry?

Analytical chemistry supports archaeometry by: