Abstract: The detection of outlier is very important in chemistry and chemical engineering which emphasizes experimentation and data acquisition. The theoretical foundation，application demand，research approach，critical technology and development of the detection of outlier are analyzed comprehensively，combined with the characteristic of chemical data. With respect to the linear and non-linear system，the current detection solution is introduced，including detection criteria，direct and indirect methods，single and non-single detection，classic and modern means，their advantages and disadvantages and the latest development. The prospect and development direction of the detection of outlier are presented.