Organic, pharmaceutical and fine chemicals contain carbon as part of their molecular structure. Some products also contain hydrogen and oxygen. There are many different types of organic, pharmaceutical and fine chemicals. Basic categories include organic chemicals, synthetic chemicals, pharmaceutical chemicals, and specialty fine chemicals. An organic chemical is naturally-occurring and contains compounds such as alcohols, phenols, aldehydes, ketones, and ethers; or elements such as nitrogen, sulphur, silicon, and germanium. Organic chemicals include plant terpenoids and, in some cases, substances such as steroids and antibiotics. Unlike an organic chemical, a synthetic chemical is manufactured in a laboratory. Often, synthetic chemicals are made by a pharmaceutical chemical manufacturer or drug manufacturer to produce over-the-counter (OTC) or prescriptions medications. Common types of pharmaceutical chemicals include insecticides, herbicides and fungicides; food additives, preservatives, flavorings and coatings; and resins and pigments. Specialty fine chemicals are organic, pharmaceutical and fine chemicals such as cleaners and dyes. Important parameters for a specialty fine chemical vary by application.

Organic, pharmaceutical and fine chemicals are used in many different market segments. Some organic chemical compounds, pharmaceutical chemicals, and fine chemicals are suitable for bioengineering, biochemical, medical, or pharmaceutical applications. Other organic, pharmaceutical and fine chemicals are designed for food processing, beverage processing, or chemical processing applications. Organic, pharmaceutical and fine chemicals that are used in agricultural applications are designed to protect crops from insects, improve crop yields, or resist the spread of disease or fungus. An organic chemical fertilizer is usually made of organic material such as compost that has been combined with a chemical fertilizer such as nitrogen. Chemical fertilizers are available for a variety of soil conditions and may be designed to reduce the environmental impact caused by from runoff. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the practice of turning hazardous waste from lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium and into fertilizer. Regulations from other government agencies may affect the operations of a fine chemical manufacturer.