The largest chemical producing countries

The chemical industry is a significant contributor to the economies of these countries, with many jobs and businesses being directly or indirectly tied to the production and sale of chemicals. However, the industry also faces challenges related to environmental and social sustainability, and there is an ongoing effort to promote the responsible production and use of chemicals worldwide. According to the latest available data (2021), the top 10 countries by chemical production by market share are:

• China
• United States
• Germany
• India
• Japan
• South Korea
• Iran
• Canada
• France
• United Kingdom

China is the largest chemical producer in the world, accounting for approximately 40% of global chemical production. The United States is the second-largest producer, with a share of around 15%, followed by Germany, India, and Japan.

Chemicals by market share

The chemical with the largest market share can vary over time, as it is influenced by a variety of factors such as global demand, supply chain disruptions, and environmental and regulatory factors. However, as of 2021, the chemical with the largest market share is generally considered to be sulfuric acid.

Sulfuric acid is a highly versatile chemical that is used in a wide range of industrial applications, including the production of fertilizers, detergents, and other chemicals. It is also used in the mining industry to leach metals from ores, and in the petroleum industry to refine crude oil.

Other chemicals that have historically had large market shares include ammonia, methanol, and ethylene, which are all used as feedstocks in the production of a wide range of chemicals and materials. However, the relative market share of these chemicals can vary over time, depending on global economic conditions and the emergence of new technologies and materials.

The most used chemicals

There are many chemicals that are widely used across various industries and applications, but the specific chemicals that are most used can vary depending on factors such as geographic region, industry, and current demand. However, here are some of the most commonly used chemicals worldwide:

• Sulfuric acid - used in the production of fertilizers, detergents, and other chemicals.
• Methanol - used as a solvent, fuel, and feedstock in the production of formaldehyde and other chemicals.
• Ethylene - used as a feedstock in the production of plastics, solvents, and other chemicals.
• Hydrochloric acid - used in the production of vinyl chloride, which is used to make PVC pipes and other products.
• Ammonia - used in the production of fertilizers, explosives, and other chemicals.
• Sodium hydroxide - used in the production of paper, textiles, and other products.
• Nitric acid - used in the production of fertilizers, dyes, and other chemicals.
• Acetic acid - used in the production of plastics, solvents, and other chemicals.
• Propylene - used as a feedstock in the production of plastics, solvents, and other chemicals.
• Formaldehyde - used in the production of resins, plastics, and other chemicals.

Note that this list is not exhaustive, and there are many other chemicals that are widely used in various applications.

The most expensive chemicals

• Scopolamine - Also known as "devil's breath," this chemical is extracted from the borrachero tree and is known for its powerful mind-altering effects. It can be used for medicinal purposes, but is also often used as a "date rape" drug. The cost of scopolamine can vary widely depending on the source and purity, but is often sold on the black market for hundreds or even thousands of dollars per gram.
• Plutonium - A highly radioactive element that is used in nuclear reactors and weapons. The cost of plutonium is difficult to estimate, as it is highly regulated and generally not available for commercial sale. However, estimates suggest that the cost of producing plutonium can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars per gram.
• Painite - A rare mineral that was first discovered in Myanmar in the 1950s. It is known for its unique orange-red color and is highly sought after by collectors. The cost of painite can vary depending on the size and quality of the specimen, but it is often sold for tens of thousands of dollars per carat.
• LSD - A potent psychedelic drug that is synthesized from lysergic acid, a compound found in certain types of fungi. The cost of LSD can vary depending on the source and purity, but is often sold on the black market for tens or hundreds of dollars per dose.

It's important to note that the cost of a chemical can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, and these examples are not intended to be exhaustive or representative of the overall market.

The most hazardous chemicals

There are many chemicals that can be hazardous and dangerous to human health and the environment. Here are some examples of chemicals that are widely considered to be among the most hazardous and dangerous:

• Asbestos - A naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials such as insulation, roofing, and flooring. Exposure to asbestos can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other serious respiratory diseases.
• Mercury - A toxic heavy metal that can cause neurological and developmental problems. Mercury is often used in thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs, and other products, and can also be released into the environment through industrial processes such as coal burning.
• Lead - A toxic metal that can cause developmental problems, cognitive impairment, and other health effects. Lead was widely used in paint, gasoline, and other products, but has been phased out of many applications due to its toxicity.
• Benzene - A highly flammable and toxic chemical that is used in the production of plastics, resins, and synthetic fibers. Exposure to benzene can cause cancer, leukemia, and other serious health effects.
• Dioxins - A group of highly toxic chemicals that are formed during the combustion of organic matter. Dioxins can cause a wide range of health effects, including cancer, reproductive problems, and developmental delays.
• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) - Synthetic chemicals that were widely used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and other applications. CFCs are now banned due to their destructive impact on the ozone layer and contribution to climate change.
• Pesticides - Chemicals that are used to kill insects, weeds, and other pests. Many pesticides are toxic and can cause health effects in humans and wildlife.

This list is not exhaustive, and the hazardousness of a chemical can depend on factors such as dose, exposure, and the specific context in which it is used.

Chemicals with the biggest effect on our daily lives

Chemicals without which our lives would be very different:

• Water - Although water is not typically thought of as a chemical, it is a fundamental substance that has a major impact on our daily lives. Without water, life as we know it would not be possible.
• Carbon dioxide - Although it is often associated with climate change and global warming, carbon dioxide is a critical chemical that is essential for plant growth and is also used in a wide range of industrial applications.
• Oxygen - Another essential chemical, oxygen is required for respiration and is used in a variety of industrial processes.
• Chlorine - Used to disinfect water and treat swimming pools, chlorine is an important chemical that helps to prevent the spread of disease and maintain public health.
• Nitrogen - Used in fertilizers and as an industrial gas, nitrogen is an important component of the global food and chemical industries.
• Petroleum-based chemicals - Many of the materials and products that we use every day, including plastics, fuels, and synthetic fibers, are derived from petroleum-based chemicals. Without these chemicals, our lives would be very different, as we rely on these materials for transportation, food packaging, and a wide range of other applications.
• Pharmaceuticals - Chemicals are also used to produce a wide range of pharmaceuticals that are used to treat and prevent disease. Without these chemicals, our ability to manage and cure diseases would be severely limited.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, and there are many other chemicals that have a significant impact on our daily lives.

The most used petroleum-based chemicals

Oil and gas are important feedstocks for the production of a wide range of chemicals. Here are some examples of chemicals that are commonly manufactured from oil and gas:

• Ethylene - One of the most important building blocks for the chemical industry, used to produce polyethylene, styrene, vinyl acetate, and many other chemicals and materials.
• Propylene - Another key feedstock for the chemical industry, used to produce polypropylene, acrylonitrile, and other chemicals and materials.
• Benzene - Used to produce styrene, phenol, nylon, and other chemicals.
• Toluene - Used to produce benzene, xylene, and other chemicals.
• Xylene - Used to produce purified terephthalic acid (PTA), which is used to make polyester fibers and resins.
• Methanol - Used as a solvent, fuel, and feedstock for the production of formaldehyde and other chemicals.
• Formaldehyde - Used to produce resins, plastics, and other chemicals.
• Butadiene - Used to produce synthetic rubber, such as styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and polybutadiene rubber (PBR).

There are many other chemicals that are manufactured from oil and gas, including various types of fuels, lubricants, and specialty chemicals. The specific chemicals that are produced from oil and gas can vary depending on the location, market demand, and other factors.