English edit

Noun edit

bucket chemistry (uncountable)

  1. (informal, chemistry) Any chemical process or technique that is relatively low-tech, and does not require specialist equipment or skills, or precise measurement or control.
    • 1971, Francis A. Gunther, Residue Reviews:
      Analytical procedures for pesticides were largely still in the "bucket chemistry" era and the methods were provided by either the chemical company or the "Official Methods" of the Association of Agricultural Chemists.
    • 1994, E. Roland Menzel, Laser Spectroscopy: Techniques and Applications:
      One can prepare the organo-rare earth complexes by rather easy bucket chemistry.
    • 2003, Donnell R. Christian, Forensic Investigation of Clandestine Laboratories:
      There are certain manufacturing methods that do not require traditional chemical apparatuses. "Bucket" chemistry is an appropriate term, because these reactions can literally take place in a plastic bucket.