# A student researches the difference between bulk chemicals and fine chemicals. Explain why fine chemicals are more expensive to produce than bulk chemicals.

> OCR A-Level Chemistry B: Salters (H433) — CI The chemical industry · Explain · 5 marks

> The global chemical industry produces thousands of different substances, from basic raw materials used in large quantities to highly specialised substances made in small amounts for specific uses.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Fine chemicals are produced in small quantities / smaller batch sizes (compared to bulk chemicals)
2. Fine chemicals require more steps / a more complex manufacturing process
3. Fine chemicals require more research and development (before production begins / to develop the synthesis)
4. Fine chemicals must meet a high degree of purity / require more purification steps
5. Bulk chemicals benefit from economies of scale (so their cost per unit is lower) / fine chemicals do not benefit from economies of scale

## Key terms

- [bulk chemicals](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/bulk-chemicals)
- [fine chemicals](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/fine-chemicals)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR A-Level Chemistry B: Salters (H433)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-student-researches-the-difference-between-4ae9fa9b) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.