Chemistry in the ISM: the ALMA (r)evolution.

Increases in knowledge in various subfields of galactic astrochemistry that will ensue as ALMA becomes operational are discussed. A distinction is made between evolutionary and revolutionary changes. It is proposed that the most revolutionary enhancements will occur in our knowledge of small-scale structure and the attendant need for more complex chemical models that contain spatial inhomogeneities and dynamics as well as chemical processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]