Glossary

Deutsch: Reaktion / Español: Reacción / Português: Reação / Français: Rêaction / Italiano: Reazione
Reaction may refer to a Response to another event or a Chemical reaction.

In the industrial context, a reaction usually refers to a chemical process in which two or more substances interact to produce a new product. Here are some examples of how the term "reaction" is used in industry:

1. Chemical manufacturing: The production of many chemicals, such as plastics, pharmaceuticals, and fertilizers, involves reactions between different chemicals. For example, the reaction between ethylene and chlorine produces ethylene dichloride, which is used to make PVC plastics.

2. Food processing: Many food products, such as bread, cheese, and beer, are made through a process of fermentation, which is a type of reaction in which microorganisms break down carbohydrates to produce acids, alcohols, and other compounds.

3. Petroleum refining: Refineries use chemical reactions to convert crude oil into a variety of products, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, and lubricating oil. These reactions involve processes such as cracking, hydroprocessing, and reforming.

4. Environmental remediation: In the field of environmental remediation, chemical reactions can be used to treat contaminated soil and groundwater. For example, in-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) involves injecting oxidizing agents into contaminated soil or water to break down pollutants into harmless byproducts.

5. Polymer production: The production of polymers, such as plastics and synthetic fibers, involves reactions between monomers, which are small molecules that can be linked together to form long chains. For example, the reaction between ethylene and propylene produces polyethylene and polypropylene, respectively.

Overall, chemical reactions play a critical role in many industrial processes, from chemical manufacturing and food processing to petroleum refining and environmental remediation. By understanding the principles of chemical reactions, industrial chemists and engineers can develop new products and processes that are safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.