100+ Production Chemist Interview Questions and Answers

Chlorinated plasticizer is produced by reacting plasticizer with chlorine gas.

• Chlorinated plasticizers are used as flame retardants in plastics.

• The reaction is typically carried out in a batch reactor.

• The process requires careful control of temperature and pressure.

• The final product must be purified to remove any impurities.

• Chlorinated plasticizers can be harmful to human health and the environment.

A clean room is a controlled environment with low levels of pollutants such as dust, airborne microbes, aerosol particles, and chemical vapors.

• Clean rooms are typically used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, electronics, and aerospace.

• They are designed to maintain a specific level of cleanliness to ensure the quality of products being manufactured.

• Clean rooms have strict protocols for entry, including wearing special clothing like gowns, gloves, masks, and...read more

API stands for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient. There are two types of API - synthetic and natural.

• API is the main active ingredient in a drug that produces the intended therapeutic effect.

• Synthetic APIs are chemically synthesized in a laboratory.

• Natural APIs are derived from natural sources such as plants, animals, or microorganisms.

• APIs must meet strict quality standards and regulations before they can be used in pharmaceutical products.

PH stands for potential of hydrogen, a measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution.

• PH stands for potential of hydrogen

• It is a measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution

• PH scale ranges from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most basic)

• Neutral PH is 7

An autoclave is a device used to sterilize equipment and supplies by subjecting them to high-pressure steam.

• Autoclave uses high-pressure steam to kill microorganisms and spores.

• The process involves loading the items to be sterilized, adding water to the autoclave chamber, and sealing it.

• The autoclave is then heated to a specific temperature and pressure for a set period of time.

• After sterilization, the autoclave is depressurized and the items can be safely removed.

• Autoclaves ...read more

Benzene is a colorless, highly flammable liquid with a sweet odor. It is a basic building block of many chemicals.

• Benzene is a hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C6H6.

• It is a natural constituent of crude oil and gasoline.

• Benzene is used in the production of plastics, synthetic fibers, rubber, dyes, detergents, and pharmaceuticals.

• Exposure to benzene can cause cancer and other health problems.

• Benzene is also a major air pollutant and is regulated by environmental agencies.

My aim is to utilize my skills and knowledge to contribute to the production process and ensure high-quality products are delivered efficiently.

• To optimize production processes and increase efficiency

• To ensure high-quality products are delivered to customers

• To continuously improve and learn new skills to enhance production processes

• To work collaboratively with team members to achieve production goals

Organic chemistry is the study of carbon-based compounds and their properties, reactions, and synthesis.

• It is a branch of chemistry that deals with the structure, properties, and reactions of organic compounds.

• Organic compounds are molecules that contain carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms and other elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and halogens.

• Organic chemistry has many applications in fields such as medicine, agriculture, materials science, and energy production...read more

I have experience handling a wide range of equipment in the production process.

• I have experience handling various types of reactors, distillation columns, pumps, and filtration systems.

• I am proficient in operating analytical instruments such as spectrophotometers, chromatographs, and titrators.

• I have worked with process control systems like SCADA and PLCs to monitor and control production processes.

Pharma production equipments include mixers, reactors, centrifuges, dryers, and filling machines.

• Mixers are used to blend ingredients together

• Reactors are used for chemical reactions

• Centrifuges are used to separate solids from liquids

• Dryers are used to remove moisture from products

• Filling machines are used to package products into containers

• Examples include ribbon blenders, jacketed reactors, basket centrifuges, fluid bed dryers, and automatic filling machines

The question is not relevant to the job of a production chemist.

• This question is not related to the job of a production chemist.

• It is important to stay focused on the job requirements during an interview.

• If asked an irrelevant question, politely redirect the conversation back to the job requirements.

I joined the pharma company because of my passion for chemistry and desire to contribute to the development of life-saving medications.

• Passion for chemistry and pharmaceuticals

• Desire to contribute to the development of life-saving medications

• Opportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative industry

Tablets are solid dosage forms that contain medicinal substances and are intended for oral administration.

• Tablets are one of the most common forms of medication.

• They are made by compressing powdered or granulated drugs with excipients.

• Tablets can vary in size, shape, color, and texture.

• They are designed to be swallowed and dissolve in the gastrointestinal tract.

• Tablets can be immediate-release, extended-release, or enteric-coated.

• Examples of tablets include aspirin, paracetam...read more

A tablet is a solid dosage form containing active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients compressed into a small, round, or oval shape.

• Tablets are one of the most common forms of oral medication.

• Tablets can be classified into different types based on their formulation, such as immediate-release, extended-release, chewable, effervescent, etc.

• Examples of tablet types include aspirin tablets, ibuprofen tablets, and multivitamin tablets.

Moisture percentage is a critical parameter for determining the quality of a grade.

• Moisture percentage is the amount of water present in a substance expressed as a percentage of the total weight.

• It is important to control moisture levels in production to ensure product quality and stability.

• Moisture content can affect the physical and chemical properties of a substance, such as its solubility, viscosity, and shelf life.

• For example, a pharmaceutical grade may have a maximum mo...read more

There are various types of safety and technical measures that a production chemist must be aware of.

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and lab coats

• Chemical storage and handling procedures

• Emergency response protocols

• Equipment maintenance and calibration

• Quality control measures

• Documentation and record-keeping

• Training and education for employees

• Environmental safety measures

• Fire safety measures

• Electrical safety measures

Distillation is a process used to separate components of a liquid mixture based on differences in boiling points.

• Distillation involves heating a liquid mixture to create vapor, then cooling the vapor to condense it back into liquid form.

• The components with lower boiling points will vaporize first and be collected, while the components with higher boiling points will remain in the original liquid.

• Types of distillation include simple distillation, fractional distillation, and s...read more

There are several classes in safety, including general safety, chemical safety, fire safety, electrical safety, and more.

• General safety covers basic safety practices and procedures for all employees.

• Chemical safety focuses on handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous chemicals.

• Fire safety includes fire prevention, evacuation procedures, and proper use of fire extinguishers.

• Electrical safety involves safe practices when working with electricity to prevent shocks and fires....read more

Technical parameters for formulation include raw materials, equipment, process parameters, and quality control measures.

• Raw materials should be of high quality and meet specifications

• Equipment should be calibrated and maintained regularly

• Process parameters such as temperature, pressure, and mixing time should be optimized

• Quality control measures should be in place to ensure consistency and purity of the final product

• Examples of technical parameters include particle size distr...read more

Centrifuge pumps work by using centrifugal force to move fluids through the pump.

• Centrifuge pumps use a rotating impeller to create centrifugal force, which pushes the fluid towards the outlet.

• The fluid enters the pump through the suction port and is accelerated by the impeller.

• As the fluid moves through the pump, the centrifugal force increases its velocity and pressure, allowing it to be discharged through the outlet.

• Centrifuge pumps are commonly used in industrial applicat...read more

Frability is the tendency of a material to break or crumble easily.

• Frability is a measure of the strength of a material.

• It is often used to describe the quality of tablets or capsules.

• A material with high frability will break or crumble easily, while a material with low frability will be more resistant to breaking.

• Factors that can affect frability include the composition of the material, the manufacturing process, and the storage conditions.

• Frability testing is an important p...read more

Media fill is a simulation test used to evaluate the aseptic manufacturing process by filling sterile media instead of actual product.

• Media fill is a validation test performed in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

• It involves filling sterile growth media into containers and simulating the manufacturing process without actual product.

• The purpose is to assess the aseptic techniques and procedures to ensure they are effective in preventing contamination.

• Media fill tests are required b...read more

API stands for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient, which is the biologically active component in a pharmaceutical drug.

• API is the main ingredient in a drug that produces the intended effect on the body.

• It is responsible for the therapeutic effects of the drug.

• Examples of APIs include paracetamol in painkillers and ibuprofen in anti-inflammatory drugs.

The temperature of chlorine depends on its state - gas, liquid or solid.

• Chlorine gas has a boiling point of -34°C and a melting point of -101°C

• Chlorine liquid has a boiling point of -34°C and a freezing point of -101°C

• Chlorine solid has a melting point of -100.98°C

Hardness of a tablet refers to its ability to withstand pressure and not break or crumble easily.

• Hardness is an important parameter in tablet manufacturing as it affects the tablet's disintegration and dissolution rates.

• It is typically measured using a hardness tester which applies force to the tablet until it breaks.

• Common units of measurement for tablet hardness include kg/cm^2 or N.

• Hardness can vary depending on the formulation of the tablet and the manufacturing process u...read more

Safety is a top priority in all operations to prevent accidents and injuries.

• Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) for handling chemicals

• Regularly inspect and maintain equipment to ensure safe operation

• Participate in safety training and drills to be prepared for emergencies

Tablet defect refers to any imperfection or flaw in a tablet that may affect its quality or performance.

• Tablet defects can include cracks, chips, discoloration, capping, sticking, and hardness variations.

• These defects can be caused by issues during the manufacturing process such as improper compression, inadequate drying, or contamination.

• Examples of tablet defects include air pockets in the tablet, rough edges, and improper weight variation.

• Inspecting tablets for defects is ...read more

Molarity is a measure of the concentration of a solution expressed as the number of moles of solute per liter of solution.

• Molarity is calculated by dividing the number of moles of solute by the volume of the solution in liters.

• It is denoted by the symbol 'M'.

• Molarity is commonly used in chemistry to express the concentration of a solution.

• For example, a 1 M solution of sodium chloride contains 1 mole of sodium chloride per liter of solution.

Granulation is a process of forming agglomerates from fine powders by adding a binding agent and then drying.

• Granulation involves mixing powders with a binding agent to form granules

• The granules are then dried to remove moisture and solidify the structure

• Common binding agents include water, alcohol, or polymers

• Granulation improves flow properties, reduces dust, and enhances compressibility

• Examples include pharmaceutical tablets, fertilizer granules, and detergent powders

Unit operations and transport phenomena are essential concepts in chemical engineering, involving processes like distillation, filtration, and heat transfer.

• Unit operations refer to individual processes in chemical engineering, such as distillation, filtration, and crystallization.

• Transport phenomena involve the movement of mass, energy, and momentum in chemical processes.

• Examples of transport phenomena include heat transfer, mass transfer, and fluid flow.

• Understanding unit o...read more

Production is the process of creating goods or services using resources and labor.

• Production involves converting raw materials into finished products.

• It includes planning, scheduling, and managing resources to meet production goals.

• Quality control is an important aspect of production to ensure the final product meets standards.

• Examples of production include manufacturing cars, baking bread, and producing software.

• Efficient production can lead to cost savings and increased pro...read more

pH is a measure of acidity or alkalinity of a solution on a scale of 0-14, with 7 being neutral.

• pH stands for 'potential of Hydrogen'

• It is a logarithmic scale, meaning each whole pH value below 7 is 10 times more acidic than the next higher value, and each whole pH value above 7 is 10 times more alkaline than the next lower value

• Acidic solutions have pH values below 7, while alkaline solutions have pH values above 7

• Pure water has a pH of 7, which is considered neutral

• Examples...read more

Different dosage forms refer to various ways in which medications can be administered to patients.

• Dosage forms include tablets, capsules, syrups, injections, creams, ointments, and patches.

• Each dosage form has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of absorption rate, convenience, and patient compliance.

• The choice of dosage form depends on the specific medication, patient preferences, and the condition being treated.

The pressure of chlorine depends on its temperature and volume.

• Chlorine gas is typically stored in pressurized cylinders.

• The pressure of chlorine can be measured using a pressure gauge.

• At room temperature, the pressure of chlorine in a cylinder is typically around 100 psi.

• As the temperature of chlorine increases, its pressure also increases.

• The pressure of chlorine can be calculated using the ideal gas law: PV = nRT.

Testing of grade is crucial to ensure quality and consistency of the product.

• Testing involves analyzing the physical and chemical properties of the product.

• Grade testing is done to ensure that the product meets the required specifications.

• Testing can be done through various methods such as chromatography, spectroscopy, and titration.

• Results of testing are compared to the standard specifications to determine if the product is acceptable.

• Testing is done at various stages of pro...read more

Standard in chemistry refers to a reference material or method used for comparison and validation of experimental results.

• Standards are used to ensure accuracy and precision in chemical measurements.

• Examples of standards include NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) certified reference materials and ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) methods.

• Standards can also refer to safety protocols and regulations in the handling and disposal of chemicals.

• Ad...read more

Granulation is a process of forming grains or granules from a powdery substance.

• Granulation involves the agglomeration of particles to form larger granules.

• It is commonly used in pharmaceutical manufacturing to improve flow properties and reduce dust generation.

• There are different methods of granulation such as wet granulation, dry granulation, and direct compression.

• Examples of granulating agents include binders, disintegrants, and lubricants.

Full meaning in chemistry refers to the complete definition of a term or concept in the field of chemistry.

• Full meaning in chemistry is the complete definition of a term or concept in the field of chemistry.

• It is important to understand the full meaning of a term or concept in order to apply it correctly in experiments or research.

• For example, the full meaning of pH is the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration in a solution.

• Another example is the full meaning o...read more

RMG end point refers to the point at which the reaction mass is considered complete in a chemical production process.

• RMG end point is determined by monitoring various parameters such as temperature, pressure, pH, or color change.

• It indicates that the desired reaction has reached its completion and no further reaction is expected.

• For example, in the production of a pharmaceutical drug, the RMG end point may be reached when the desired purity level is achieved.

• Accurate determin...read more

SCDM stands for Study Data Tabulation Model, a standard for organizing and formatting clinical trial data.

• SCDM is a standard format used in clinical research to structure and organize data collected during a clinical trial.

• It helps ensure consistency and accuracy in data collection, analysis, and reporting.

• SCDM includes guidelines for creating datasets, defining variables, and organizing data for submission to regulatory authorities.

• Adhering to SCDM standards helps ensure dat...read more

Pharmaceutics is the study of the process of turning a chemical substance into a medication.

• Pharmaceutics involves the design, development, and formulation of drugs.

• It also includes the study of drug delivery systems and drug stability.

• Pharmaceutics plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of medications.

• Examples of pharmaceutics include the development of new drug formulations and the study of drug interactions.

• Pharmaceutics is closely related to pharmacology...read more

Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties, composition, and interactions.

• Chemistry involves understanding the structure and behavior of atoms and molecules

• It explores how substances react with each other to form new substances

• Chemistry is used in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and manufacturing

Quality of hypo is crucial for accurate and safe chemical production.

• Hypo should be free from impurities and contaminants.

• It should have a consistent concentration of active ingredients.

• The pH level should be within the specified range.

• The hypo should be stored properly to prevent degradation.

• Regular testing and analysis should be conducted to ensure quality.

• Examples of hypo include sodium thiosulfate and ammonium thiosulfate.

Types of reaction

• Chemical reactions can be classified into several types based on the nature of reactants and products

• Some common types of reactions include synthesis, decomposition, combustion, displacement, and redox reactions

• Synthesis reactions combine two or more substances to form a new compound, e.g., A + B → AB

• Decomposition reactions break down a compound into its constituent elements or simpler compounds, e.g., AB → A + B

• Combustion reactions involve the rapid combinat...read more

A strong acid is a chemical compound that completely dissociates into ions in an aqueous solution.

• Strong acids have a low pH value, typically less than 2.

• They are highly corrosive and can cause severe burns.

• Examples of strong acids include hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and nitric acid (HNO3).

Excipients are inactive substances added to a drug to help with the manufacturing process, stability, or appearance of the tablet.

• Excipients can include fillers, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, and coloring agents.

• Examples of excipients used in tablets are microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, and titanium dioxide.

ANFD stands for Agitated Nutsche Filter Dryer, a type of equipment used in chemical processing for filtration, washing, and drying of solids.

• ANFD is used for separating solids from liquids in a slurry mixture.

• The equipment consists of a cylindrical vessel with an agitator, filter media, and a vacuum system.

• The slurry is agitated to aid in filtration, then the solids are washed and dried using the vacuum system.

• ANFD is commonly used in pharmaceutical, chemical, and food indust...read more