The editions are identical in content with the exception of occasional reviews of German-language books or German translations of IUPAC recommendations.

In 1888, the title was changed to Zeitschrift für Angewandte Chemie (Journal of Applied Chemistry), and volume numbering started over.

In June 2020, the journal withdrew a paper by Tomas Hudlicky (Brock University), "Organic synthesis—Where now?"

The paper drew opprobrium[4] for criticizing the alleged "preferential status" of women and minorities in chemistry.

[4][7] As a consequence, shaping of a new version of the journal begun, with diversity, equity, and inclusion, transparency, and a continued commitment to scientific excellence as the guiding principles.

[8] Hudlicky responded to the backlash and retraction stating "I stand by the views I wished to express in the essay, some of which are common knowledge, while others were duly cited from primary and secondary sources".