Chemistry Extended Essay Topic Ideas and RQs for IB Students

Vasy Kafidoff

Table of contents

Greetings, future innovators and explorers of the chemical world! As a co-founder of Writing Metier, a platform dedicated to fostering the academic growth of IB students, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to THE LIST of good and the most important – working IB Chemistry extended essay topics.

The adventure through chemistry is a quest for knowledge, spanning the micro to the macro, from the intricacies of molecular bonds to the grandeur of environmental chemistry.

Our mission is to light the path for your exploration, offering a rich array of topics that serve as academic pursuits and as gateways to real-world impact.

Thanks to the help of our IB writers, no I am able to break the list into various categories to cover as many ideas as possible.

Here’s a comprehensive guide that spans various aspects of chemistry, designed to spark curiosity and encourage in-depth exploration.

Organic Chemistry

• Synthesis of Biofuels : Investigating methods for producing biofuels from organic waste materials.
• Pharmaceutical Chemistry : Exploring the synthesis and analysis of pharmaceutical compounds.
• Green Chemistry : Developing sustainable and environmentally friendly synthesis methods.

Inorganic Chemistry

• Coordination Compounds : Examining the properties and applications of coordination compounds in medicine and industry.
• Catalysis : Investigating the role of catalysts in speeding up chemical reactions, with a focus on industrial applications.
• Metal Extraction : Analyzing methods for extracting metals from ores using different chemical processes.

Physical Chemistry

• Thermodynamics : Exploring the energy changes that occur during chemical reactions.
• Kinetics : Investigating the factors that affect the rate of chemical reactions.
• Spectroscopy : Using spectroscopy techniques to identify chemical compounds.

Environmental Chemistry

• Atmospheric Chemistry : Studying the chemical composition of the atmosphere and its impact on climate change.
• Water Quality Analysis : Analyzing pollutants in water sources and their effects on the environment.
• Soil Chemistry : Investigating soil contamination and remediation techniques.

Analytical Chemistry

• Food Chemistry : Examining the chemical processes involved in food production and preservation.
• Forensic Chemistry : Using chemical analysis to solve forensic cases.
• Pharmaceutical Analysis : Determining the composition and purity of pharmaceutical products.

Theoretical Chemistry

• Quantum Chemistry : Exploring the application of quantum mechanics to chemical problems.
• Computational Chemistry : Using computer simulations to solve chemical problems and predict the properties of molecules.
• Molecular Modeling : Designing and modeling new molecules for specific applications.

Materials Chemistry

• Nanotechnology : Investigating the synthesis and application of nanomaterials.
• Polymer Chemistry : Studying the synthesis and properties of polymers.
• Battery Technology : Exploring the chemistry behind battery materials and energy storage solutions.

Whether you’re passionate about creating sustainable solutions or unraveling the complexities of chemical reactions, this guide is designed to spark your imagination and set the stage for a journey of significant discovery.

Before I proceed to the list, I’ll also suggest that everyone who is interested in Chemistry check our article with the awesome IB IA Chemistry topics list. Moreover,you can always get assistance with writing your IB Chemistry extended essay from our experts at Writing Metier.

Each topic you’ll encounter is a step toward not only mastering the principles of chemistry but also applying them in ways that challenge, innovate, and inspire.

Are you ready for the list?

IB Chemistry EE Topic Ideas List

Below is a list of Chemistry Extended essay topics and research questions for each subcategory I’ve mentioned above, designed to align with IB Extended Essay criteria and, most importantly, spark interest in ambitious students who selected IB Diploma Program.

Organic Chemistry

We’re stepping into an arena where the building blocks of life become the playground for our curiosity.

Here, we explore how everything from the fuels that power our world to the medicines that keep us healthy are crafted. It’s a space where creativity meets science, transforming simple carbon chains into complex life-improving compounds.

Synthesis of Biofuels

• Topic: The Efficiency of Different Feedstocks in Biofuel Production
  • Research Question: How do varying feedstocks affect the efficiency and sustainability of biofuel production?
  • Research Question: Which method offers a more sustainable and efficient pathway for biodiesel production: enzymatic or chemical?

  Pharmaceutical Chemistry

  • Topic: Synthesis of Aspirin and Its Impurities Analysis
    • Research Question: How does the synthesis process affect the purity and effectiveness of aspirin?
    • Research Question: Can specific chemical compounds enhance the effectiveness of existing antibiotics against resistant bacteria?

    Green Chemistry

    • Topic: The Use of Catalysts in the Synthesis of Biodegradable Plastics
      • Research Question: How do catalysts improve the efficiency and environmental impact of biodegradable plastics synthesis?
      • Research Question: How can the principles of green chemistry be applied to reduce waste in industrial chemical syntheses?

      Moving on from the carbon-centric universe of Organic Chemistry, we find ourselves in the diverse and often colorful world of Inorganic Chemistry.

      This is where metals, minerals, and other non-carbon elements take center stage, revealing a spectrum of compounds that influence everything from technology to medicine.

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      Inorganic Chemistry

      In Inorganic Chemistry, we venture beyond the realm of carbon to explore the vast array of elements that make up our world. From the coordination compounds that color our fireworks to the metals at the heart of our electronic devices, this field is about the endless possibilities that arise when we combine different elements from the periodic table.

      Coordination Compounds

      • Topic: Color Changes in Coordination Compounds Due to Ligand Variation
        • Research Question: How does changing ligands in coordination compounds affect their color and absorption spectra?
        • Research Question: How do specific coordination compounds enhance the efficiency of photocatalytic reactions?

        Catalysis

        • Topic: The Effectiveness of Heterogeneous Catalysts in Biofuel Production
          • Research Question: How do heterogeneous catalysts compare in efficiency and selectivity in the production of biofuels?
          • Research Question: Can nano-catalysts significantly improve the decomposition rates of common industrial pollutants?

          Metal Extraction

          • Topic: Comparing Hydrometallurgical Techniques for Copper Extraction
            • Research Question: How do different hydrometallurgical techniques affect the efficiency and purity of copper extraction?
            • Research Question: Is bioleaching a more environmentally friendly method for gold extraction compared to traditional methods?

            As we leave the tangible world of compounds and crystals, we approach the more abstract but equally thrilling domain of Physical Chemistry.

            Here, we zoom in even further, examining the very essence of chemical reactions and the energy that powers them.

            Physical Chemistry

            Welcome to Physical Chemistry, where the micro meets the macro in the most fascinating ways. This is where we get to decode the secrets behind the energy changes in reactions, the speed at which they occur, and the advanced techniques we use to peek into the molecular realm.

            It’s like being a detective, but for molecules, uncovering clues about how and why reactions happen.

            Thermodynamics

            • Topic: The Thermodynamics of Electrochemical Cells
              • Research Question: How do temperature changes affect the efficiency and voltage output of electrochemical cells?
              • Research Question: How do energy changes in endothermic and exothermic reactions compare in terms of reaction spontaneity?

              Kinetics

              • Topic: The Effect of Catalysts on the Rate of Hydrogen Peroxide Decomposition
                • Research Question: How does the introduction of different catalysts affect the decomposition rate of hydrogen peroxide?
                • Research Question: How does varying the temperature influence the rate of esterification reactions?

                Spectroscopy

                • Topic: Using UV-Vis Spectroscopy to Determine the Concentration of Pollutants in Water
                  • Research Question: How effective is UV-Vis spectroscopy in measuring the concentration of specific pollutants in water samples?
                  • Research Question: How can infrared spectroscopy be used to identify and distinguish between different organic compounds?

                  From the microscopic interactions in Physical Chemistry, we broaden our view to the impact of chemicals on our planet in Environmental Chemistry. It’s about understanding how chemical reactions don’t just happen in labs but are ongoing in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the soil that feeds us.

                  Environmental Chemistry

                  Environmental Chemistry takes us into the heart of our natural world, examining how chemicals play a role in everything from the air quality in our cities to the health of our oceans.

                  This is our chance to see how chemistry directly impacts our environment and what we can do to protect it. It’s a call to action, using our chemical knowledge for the greater good.

                  Atmospheric Chemistry

                  • Topic: The Role of Nitrogen Oxides in Urban Smog Formation
                    • Research Question: What role do nitrogen oxides play in the formation of urban smog, and how can their impact be mitigated?
                    • Research Question: How does the chemical composition of rainwater in industrial areas reflect the presence of atmospheric pollutants?

                    Water Quality Analysis

                    • Topic: The Effects of Agricultural Runoff on Local Waterways
                      • Research Question: How do agricultural runoff and the presence of nitrates and phosphates affect the quality of water in local waterways?
                      • Research Question: What are the sources and potential health impacts of heavy metal contamination in urban drinking water supplies?

                      Soil Chemistry

                      • Topic: The Impact of Acid Rain on Soil pH and Nutrient Availability
                        • Research Question: How does acid rain alter soil pH levels and affect the availability of essential nutrients for plant growth?
                        • Research Question: What are the most effective chemical remediation techniques for restoring oil-contaminated soils?

                        After considering the broad environmental impacts, let’s zoom back in on the specifics with Analytical Chemistry. Here, we focus on the tools and techniques that allow us to measure, analyze, and understand the chemical makeup of our world.

                        Analytical Chemistry

                        In Analytical Chemistry, it’s all about the details. Whether we’re testing food for safety, analyzing forensic evidence, or ensuring the quality of pharmaceuticals, this field equips us with the precision to quantify the chemical components of various substances.

                        It combines chemistry and detective work, where accuracy can solve mysteries and save lives.

                        Food Chemistry

                        • Topic: Detecting Adulterants in Olive Oil Using Chromatography
                          • Research Question: How can chromatographic techniques be used to detect and quantify adulterants in olive oil?
                          • Research Question: How do different cooking methods affect the retention of vitamin C in commonly consumed vegetables?

                          Forensic Chemistry

                          • Topic: The Use of Chemical Analysis in Determining Time of Death
                            • Research Question: How can chemical analysis of bodily fluids contribute to determining the time of death in forensic investigations?
                            • Research Question: How can the composition and distribution of gunshot residue be used to reconstruct crime scenes?

                            Pharmaceutical Analysis

                            • Topic: The Stability of Vitamin Supplements Under Various Storage Conditions
                              • Research Question: How do different storage conditions affect the stability and efficacy of vitamin supplements?
                              • Research Question: What methods can be used to evaluate the purity and dosage accuracy of over-the-counter painkillers?

                              Leaving the hands-on world of analysis, we venture into the theoretical landscapes of Theoretical Chemistry. This is where imagination and mathematics converge, allowing us to predict and model the behaviors of atoms and molecules in ways we can’t always see.

                              Theoretical Chemistry

                              Theoretical Chemistry invites us into a world of possibilities, where we use computers and equations to unlock the mysteries of chemical behavior.

                              Here, we’re not just observing what happens; we’re predicting what could happen, exploring everything from the quantum level to complex molecular structures. It’s about pushing the boundaries of what we know and venturing into new territories of understanding.

                              Quantum Chemistry

                              • Topic: The Role of Quantum Chemistry in Drug Design
                                • Research Question: How does quantum chemistry contribute to predicting the interaction between drugs and their target molecules?
                                • Research Question: How can quantum mechanics principles be applied to explain the bonding and structure of complex molecules?

                                Computational Chemistry

                                • Topic: Computer Simulations in Predicting Protein Folding
                                  • Research Question: How can computational chemistry techniques be used to predict protein folding and its implications for diseases?
                                  • Research Question: How accurate are computational methods in estimating the energies of chemical reactions compared to experimental data?

                                  Molecular Modeling

                                  • Topic: Designing Catalysts for Green Chemistry Applications
                                    • Research Question: How can molecular modeling be used to design efficient catalysts for use in green chemistry applications?
                                    • Research Question: How does molecular modeling aid in the development of new materials for renewable energy sources, such as solar cells?

                                    From the abstract models of Theoretical Chemistry, we transition to the tangible innovations of Materials Chemistry. This field is where theory meets application, leading to the development of new materials that shape the future of technology and society.

                                    Materials Chemistry

                                    Materials Chemistry is where innovation takes form. From the nanomaterials that could revolutionize medical treatments to the polymers that reduce our environmental footprint, this field is about creating the future.

                                    It’s an exciting intersection of chemistry, engineering, and imagination, driving us towards solutions for some of the world’s biggest challenges.

                                    Nanotechnology

                                    • Topic: The Application of Nanoparticles in Drug Delivery Systems
                                      • Research Question: How can nanoparticles be engineered to improve the efficiency and targeting of drug delivery systems?
                                      • Research Question: How do nanomaterials contribute to enhancing the efficiency of solar panels?

                                      Polymer Chemistry

                                      • Topic: Biodegradable Polymers and Their Environmental Impact
                                        • Research Question: How do biodegradable polymers decompose, and what is their environmental impact compared to conventional plastics?
                                        • Research Question: How can conductive polymers be used in the development of flexible electronic devices?

                                        Battery Technology

                                        • Topic: The Chemistry Behind Lithium-Ion Batteries
                                          • Research Question: What are the key chemical reactions that occur in lithium-ion batteries, and how do they affect battery life and efficiency?
                                          • Research Question: What are the most promising chemical alternatives to lithium-ion batteries for sustainable energy storage solutions?

                                          These topics and research questions aim to inspire IB Chemistry students to explore the frontiers of chemical science, fostering a deep understanding and appreciation for the subject’s potential to address real-world challenges.

                                          I hope these ideas will help in understanding the fundamental processes that shape our world and how we can harness them to improve our lives and protect our planet.

                                          Select IB Chemistry EE Topic Wisely, My Friend

                                          As I wrap up this guide with an amazing and detailed list of IB Chemistry Extended essay topics, I hope you feel inspired and ready to take on the challenge.

                                          The journey ahead is one of inquiry and perseverance, where your questions and experiments can lead to insights that resonate far beyond the classroom. At Writing Metier, our commitment to your success is unwavering.

                                          We’re here to assist you with all the complexities of your research and writing process, ensuring that your Extended Essay stands as a testament to your dedication and intellectual curiosity.

                                          As you select your topic, remember that your work has the potential to illuminate unknown aspects of chemistry and make a meaningful contribution to the scientific community.

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                                          With Writing Metier’s chemistry essay writers by your side, your exploration into chemistry is not just an academic requirement; it’s an opportunity to leave your mark on the field. Together, let’s turn curiosity into discovery, transforming the theoretical into the tangible.