Inorganic chemistry is one of the branches of chemistry that deals with inorganic substances.
These substances can be both metallic and non-metallic.
They are exclusively called inorganic because they are devoid of carbon.
Chemically, they are formed by ionic or covalent bonds.
Most of them are solids and crystalline in nature.
Inorganic Chemistry Definition
“It is the subject dealing with the synthesis, properties, reactions, and the uses of compounds devoid of carbon.”
Some Experts add to the exception that compounds that do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds are also inorganic.
This chemistry is one of the most extensive subjects as it covers many substances, approximating to a few thousand.
Examples of inorganic chemistry include
1: Acids: HCl, H2SO4, HNO3, H3PO4, etc.
2. Bases: NaOH, Mg (OH)2, KOH, Ca(OH)2
3. Salts: NaCl, MgSo4, KCl, CaCl2.
4. Gases: Oxygen, nitrogen, CO2, etc.
5. Oxidizing agents: KMNO4, KClO4.
6. Reducing substances: NaHSO3 (sodium thiosulfate.)
Their reactions are also mostly by ionic and covalent bonds.
Most of them form just single bonds, unlike organic compounds. Organic compounds have multiple bonds between two atoms occasionally. Also, they can exist as electrolytes in the liquids. These electrolytes are charged ions and can move in the electric field.
Application of inorganic compounds.
There are many compounds, so we find them in different sets of uses in daily life.
Inorganic chemistry compounds find a lot of use in medicine and health care. The individual compounds and their uses are in the table below.
Examples of Inorganic Chemistry in Medicine
| Sl.No | Inorganic compound | Chemical formula | Application & uses |
| 1 | Magnesium hydroxide, Aluminum hydroxide | MgOH Al2(OH)3 | As antacids to relieve acidity & heartburn. |
| 2 | Sodium chloride, potassium chloride | NaCl, KCL | As oral rehydration salts. To relieve weakness in times of dehydration, diarrhea, or vomiting. |
| 3 | Sodium nitrite, Sodium thiosulfate | NaNO2, Na2S2O3 | In cyanide poisoning & anti-oxidant |
| 4 | Ferrous Sulfate | FeSO4 | In Anemia to enhance hemoglobin levels. |
| 5 | Sodium fluoride | NaF | In toothpaste to prevent dental caries |
| 6 | Oxygen | O2 | For respiration |
Besides medicine, we also use them at home for daily needs. Some of the examples are in the table below.
Examples of Inorganic Chemistry at Home
| Sl.No | Inorganic Substance | Chemical formula | Uses |
| 1 | Table salt (Sodium Chloride) | NaCl | To give a salt taste to food |
| 2 | Baking soda | NaHCO3 | In making cakes and other stuff. |
| 3 | Washing soda | Na2CO3 | Used in washing clothes |
| 4 | Bleaching powder | CaoCl2 | Used in cleaning and sterilizing drinking water, swimming pools, etc. |
Also, the inorganic substance includes all the minerals used in decoration items like talc, bentonite, steatite, etc.
Besides, many ceramic products are made by the combination of sand and other inorganic substances. Even the electric circuits in computers are made of silicon, which is a sand-like substance. Hence, the name Silicon Valley refers to the place of high computer use.
Unlike organic compounds, they do not get spoiled when stored. They are also very stable to a large extent. They are comparatively cheaper and readily available.
Frequently asked questions and answers.
How hard is inorganic chemistry
It is quite easy if one can understand and learn.
Compounds studied in inorganic chemistry lack carbon but may contain what element.
Like hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, etc., without carbon in them.
I would like more practical applications of inorganic chemistry to chemical engineers.
And how a chemical engineer uses the knowledge of inorganic chemistry to change the community?