They also monitor automated processes to ensure proper product yield and quality. At each step, samples are tested for quality to meet industry and government standards. Chemists keep records and prepare reports showing results of tests. Others work as marketing or sales representatives who sell and provide technical information on chemical products. Chemists often specialize in a subfield of chemistry, Analytical chemists determine the structure, composition, and nature of substances, and develop new analytical techniques.
Organic chemists study the chemistry of carbon compounds.
When combined with other elements, carbon forms a vast number of substances. Many modern commercial products, such as drugs, plastics, and fertilizers have been developed by organic chemists. Inorganic chemists study compounds mainly consisting of elements other than carbon. They may, for example, develop materials for electronic components. Physical chemists study the physical characteristics of atoms and molecules and investigate how chemical reactions work.