Chemical extraction is a process used to separate specific substances from a mixture using chemical reactions. This technique often involves solvents that dissolve the desired compound while leaving other components behind. It is commonly used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, where active ingredients are extracted from plants or synthetic materials. In addition to pharmaceuticals, chemical extraction is also important in environmental science for removing pollutants from soil or water. Techniques like solvent extraction and supercritical fluid extraction are employed to enhance efficiency and selectivity, making it easier to obtain pure substances for further analysis or use.