To get started in alchemy:
http://www.creepyhollows.com/phpBB3/topic71509.html
http://www.creepyhollows.com/phpBB3/topic71490.html
Also practical alchemy is based on philosophy, which also means magickal laws sometimes whereas chemistry is based on 'science' purely most of the time. The results in alchemy can vary because the materials pick up on your energy signature so its different for people.
From Anders in the Alchemy forums back in 2012 if allowed:
"There are several reactions in alchemy that are generally too complicated to understand using conventional chemistry perspectives, and there are several alchemical reactions that have never been properly explained in terms of modern chemistry. Although there is much overlap between the reactions in alchemy and those in chemistry, there are many reactions that can mostly only be understood from only one of the schools of thought. The types of reactions in alchemy tend to be different than those in chemistry. Alchemists use more common chemicals and complex natural substances in very complex mixtures, whereas chemists typically deal with a much wider array of chemicals, all containing known and definite compositions. Chemical scientists typically try to avoid conducting reactions where they are not sure what is happening. "