Organic chemicals are a core branch of the chemical industry. Their diverse molecular structures and flexible functions have made them a key component of key industries, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, new materials, and daily chemicals. By 2024, the global organic chemicals market is projected to exceed RMB 8 trillion.Among this, China accounts for 42% of global production capacity.In industrial chains, organic chemicals have two roles: they are both "basic raw materials" and "functional additives". They directly push the innovation, upgrading and efficiency improvement of downstream industries.
Organic chemicals are the "lifeblood" of the pharmaceutical industry—over 70% of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) rely on organic synthesis for production. For example, salicylic acid (the raw material for the antipyretic-analgesic aspirin) and 6-aminopenicillanic acid (6-APA, the intermediate for the antibiotic amoxicillin) are both mass-produced via organic synthesis processes. Data from a pharmaceutical enterprise shows that after using green organic synthesis technology, API purity went up from 98.5% to 99.8%, and production energy use dropped by 28%.Also, key intermediates for targeted drugs (like piperazine derivatives for "-tinib" class drugs) need customized organic synthesis, and their purity directly affects drug efficacy. In 2024, the market scale of pharmaceutical-grade organic chemicals grew by 19% year-on-year, and this supports the faster development of innovative drugs.
Organic chemicals offer low-toxicity, high-efficiency solutions for agriculture:
Bioderivative organic pesticides (such as avermectin and matrine) are 60% less toxic than traditional chemical pesticides, yet still achieve over 85% pest and disease control rates. When applied in rice-producing areas, pesticide residues meet EU standards, leading to a 30% increase in exports.
Organic fertilizer synergists (e.g., humic acid, amino acids) promote crop nutrient absorption, increasing wheat yield per mu by 12% and raising soil organic matter content by 0.3 percentage points.
In 2024, green products accounted for 58% of agricultural-grade organic chemicals—far exceeding the 35% in 2020—aligning with the "reduction in chemical fertilizers and pesticides" policy.
Organic chemicals serve as the "molecular building blocks" for advanced materials R&D:
Bio-based organic chemicals (e.g., lactic acid) can synthesize the biodegradable plastic PLA (polylactic acid), which achieves a 90% degradation rate in natural environments. Replacing traditional PE plastics with PLA reduces white pollution.
High-performance organic monomers (e.g., acrylonitrile) are core raw materials for carbon fiber precursors. Carbon fiber produced using this monomer by an advanced materials enterprise reaches a strength of 7GPa, meeting lightweight requirements in aerospace.
Data shows that in 2024, demand for organic chemicals used in advanced materials grew by 25% year-on-year, with bio-based products growing by over 40%—facilitating the achievement of "dual-carbon" goals.
Organic chemicals give daily chemical products "mild and efficient" properties:
Naturally derived organic surfactants (like cocamidopropyl betaine) have only 1/3 the irritation of traditional chemical surfactants, and this makes them suitable for sensitive skin care products. One brand said that after using this ingredient, its user repurchase rate went up by 22%.
Organic moisturizers (like hyaluronic acid, panthenol) can increase skin moisture content by 40%, and they are added to over 90% of skincare products.
In 2024, plant-derived products made up 38% of daily chemical-grade organic chemicals, and this meets consumers’ demand for "natural and safe" products.
| Application Sector | Core Types of Organic Chemicals | Value Proposition | Typical Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | APIs (salicylic acid), customized intermediates | Improves drug purity, supports innovative drugs | 99.8% purity of 6-APA (amoxicillin intermediate) |
| Agriculture | Bio-derived pesticides, organic synergists | Low-toxicity pest control, enhances crop quality | 85% pest/disease control rate of abamectin in rice |
| Advanced Materials | Bio-based monomers (lactic acid), high-performance monomers | Biodegradable, suitable for high-end manufacturing | 90% natural degradation rate of PLA plastic |
| Daily Chemicals | Natural surfactants, organic moisturizers | Mild skincare, enhances product efficacy | Cocamidopropyl betaine for sensitive skin |
Right now, organic chemicals are changing to be "greener and more customized":
The energy used to make organic chemicals by bio-fermentation (like amino acids) is 50% lower than making them by chemical synthesis.
Demand for customized organic chemicals for specific industries (like high-purity organic reagents for semiconductors) has grown by 35%.
As a foundational support for industrial chains, organic chemicals will continue to drive downstream industries toward "high efficiency, low carbon, and high value" transformation, emerging as a key force in industrial upgrading.
