The phrase "chemical industry" refers to a vast array of businesses that rely on the production and sale of chemical compounds. Synonyms for this term include the "chemical manufacturing industry," which refers specifically to the production of chemical products, such as industrial chemicals, consumer goods, and pharmaceuticals. The "chemical sector" is another alternative, which encompasses all companies engaged in the production and distribution of chemicals. The term "chemical processing industry" is also commonly used to describe these businesses, as many of them are involved in the refining and processing of raw materials into usable chemicals. Other related terms may include "chemical engineering," "chemical plants," or simply "the chemical business".