Residue (chemistry)

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Within the sciences residue is a complex concept with multiple meanings. The general definition for residue is a product left behind after a chemical reaction, and can refer to the main product, a by-product, or a combination of both.

In chemistry, residue is whatever remains or acts as a contaminant after a given class of events. Residue may be the material remaining after a process of preparation, separation, or purification, such as distillation, evaporation, or filtration. It may also denote the undesired by-products of a chemical reaction.

Residues as an undesired by-product are a concern in agricultural and food industries.