Why is chemistry often called the central science?

Chemistry is often called the central science because it serves as a foundational discipline that bridges the physical and life sciences. By studying the composition, properties, and structure of elements and compounds, as well as the reactions they undergo, chemistry provides essential insights into the fundamental nature of matter.123

This central position is evident in how chemistry interlinks with other fields:

• Biology: Through biochemistry, chemistry explains the substances and processes that sustain living organisms.41
• Earth Sciences: Geochemistry applies chemical principles to understand geologic materials and processes, from the formation of rocks to the recycling of Earth's crust.25
• Physical Sciences: Chemistry shares deep, intergradational boundaries with physics, as both disciplines explore the underlying principles governing the behavior of matter and energy.12

Ultimately, because virtually all natural phenomena involve chemical substances and transformations, chemistry acts as a vital nexus for understanding the complex, interconnected network of scientific disciplines.325