ABSTRACT
The ability to effect chemical transformations led to the development of a worldwide chemical industry. Important early large scale methods included the Solvay Process for sodium carbonate and catalytic oxidation of sulfur to sulfuric acid. By the final quarter of the 19th century, manufacture of dyes based on coal tar intermediates became the first specialized chemical industry. It was dominated by German and Swiss companies. Early in the 20th century, availability of electricity permitted production of chlorine, calcium carbide and cyanamide on an industrial scale. The Haber–Bosch process for ammonia became operational in 1915. The development of petroleum refining in the United States provided new starting materials. Synthetic polymers including bakelite, alkyd resins, nylon, and polystyrene joined materials such as cellophane and rayon, which were made from cellulose. Expanding prosperity after WW-II led to rapid growth of chemical production in Europe, North America, and Japan. In the final quarter of the century, many chemical companies became international in scope. Production of petrochemicals expanded to other parts of the world, including the Middle-East and Asia. Over-capacity led to competition and consolidation. Environmental consequences of use of certain chemicals became apparent and led to regulation and efforts to minimize the adverse effects of chemical use. Research in the expanding pharmaceutical industry led to the discovery of many new medicines.
