Pure and refined chemical compounds. These are rare and are used as resolving agents, alkylating agents, industrial solvent, herbicide, insecticide and in the manufacturing of various synthetic products on a small or industrial scale.
Fine chemicals are purified chemicals or their derivatives which are used in biological or chemical experiments and have a diverse role. Like Camphorsulfonic acid, for example, which is prepared by sulfonation of camphor with sulfuric acid & acetic anhydride is used for pharmaceutical formulations and as a resolving agent. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) which is an organosulphur compound is used as a solvent and also in PCR to inhibit secondary structures in the DNA template or primers.
These chemicals may be highly flammable, corrosive and dangerous to skin and eyes. They must be stored and handled very carefully.