Fine chemicals are single, pure and complex chemicals that are only produced in small amounts by multipurpose plants. Alternatively, fine chemicals are defined as inorganic or organic molecules produced in kilogram to multi-ton quantities by conventional or biotechnological chemical processes in plants across the world.

Fine chemicals, to sum up, have to be combined with other substances to create products. They are also much more expensive to produce than bulk chemicals, due to their complexity and changing chemistries. These products end up in the specialty chemicals market. The specialty chemicals market includes high-value products that are produced in small quantities.

Fine chemicals are used as starting materials for specialty chemicals, particularly pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. For instance, as active ingredients in biocide formulations, as additives for plastics and coatings, or as active ingredients in cosmetics and toiletries. Some are also used as intermediates in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, and so on.