Bench chemistry is chemistry that is done in the most traditional sense – the scientist mixes and handles chemicals directly, not employing any of the high-tech devices or theoretical approaches that may be associated with the most state-of-the-art aspects of the discipline. The stereotypical image of a scientist in a white lab coat pouring chemicals from one test tube to another is a perfect example of bench chemistry..

The term bench chemistry covers many different scientific techniques that are employed in a laboratory. A general rule of thumb is that if it is a chemistry technique that can be easily done at a workbench without a computer doing most of the calculations and analyses, then it is a bench chemistry technique. A few of these techniques include: mixing, separating, measuring (volumetric analysis), weighing (gravimetrics), distilling, flame testing, finding melting points, and titrating.

Bench chemistry gets its name from the traditional laboratory workbench. Found in both industrial and academic laboratories, almost everyone that learns the natural sciences will work at one of these benches at some point. All of the traditional experiments that are done at these workbenches are considered bench chemistry. The workbenches themselves are usually stain, heat, and corrosion resistant so that chemical spills and botched experiments do not significantly damage them. Some of the workbenches are also surrounded by ventilation systems known as fume hoods to protect users from the toxic gases that may be released during certain chemical reactions..