Wetchemistry

Wet chemistry refers to chemical methods and practice that primarily use liquids as reaction media. It focuses on reactions performed in solution, where reagents are dissolved in solvents such as water or organic liquids. This contrasts with dry or solid-state chemistry, where reactions occur without bulk solvents or in the solid phase. Wet-chemistry methods are widely used for synthesis, analysis, and separation, ranging from preparative reactions to quantitative measurements.

Common activities include dissolving compounds to enable reactions, titration to determine concentration, precipitation and gravimetric analysis, redox and complexation reactions, and liquid–liquid extraction. Workflows often rely on standard glassware (beakers, flasks, burettes, pipettes), controlled pH using buffers, and indicators, as well as instrumentation such as spectrophotometers and chromatographic techniques. Solvent choice, temperature, and atmosphere influence reaction outcomes, and multi-step procedures may require workups and purification.

Applications span analytical chemistry, environmental monitoring, pharmaceuticals, materials synthesis in solution, and teaching laboratories. Wet chemistry provides practical, flexible methods for determining composition, validating formulations, and preparing soluble products. It also forms the initial stage of many processes that may be followed by downstream solid-state processing, crystallization, or further purification.

Safety and waste management are central due to handling of acids, bases, toxic metals, and organic solvents. Proper labeling, ventilation, and disposal procedures are essential to minimize risk.