Inorganic chemistry is the branch of chemistry that studies non-carbon compounds. That's because those made of carbon are studied by organic chemistry.
Initially, inorganic chemistry was defined as the part of chemistry that studied mineral compounds. For this reason, it was also called mineral chemistry.
Meanwhile, the study of organic chemistry was directed towards compounds of plant and animal origin.
The main characteristic of inorganic compounds is the absence of carbon in their composition. Furthermore, most of these compounds have as physical property the fact that they are solid. As a chemical property, the fact that they are ionic stands out, which means that they gain or lose electrons.
Inorganic Functions
It was Arrhenius who proposed the grouping of inorganic compounds. This was done based on the discovery of components that dissolve in water and break down into electrified particles, the ions.
From the Theory of Arrhenius (1887), the inorganic compounds were grouped according to the similarity that existed between them. This facilitated the study of inorganic chemistry.
The main inorganic functions are acids, bases, salts and oxides.
Acids are compounds that react with bases, forming salts and water (neutralization). They have a sour taste, pH less than 7 and in aqueous solution they ionize and originate, with one of the ions, the H cation+.
Some examples of acids: Sulfuric acid (H2ONLY4), Hydrochloric Acid (HCN), Hydrofluoric Acid (HF).
Unlike acids, bases are substances that have a pH greater than 7 and an astringent, bitter taste. In aqueous solution it undergoes the so-called "ionic dissociation", as it releases the OH anion- (Hydroxide).
Some examples of bases: Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH), Magnesium Hydroxide (Mg (OH)2), Potassium Hydroxide (KOH).
Salts are ionic compounds with a salty taste that react with salts, acids, hydroxides and metals to form other salts.
Some examples of salts: Sodium Chloride (NaCl), Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3), Sodium Nitrate (NaNO3).
Oxides are binary compounds that have oxygen (O) classified into: acid or anhydride oxides, basic oxides and peroxides.
Some examples of oxides: Calcium Oxide (CaO), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2).
Learn more about each of these functions at Inorganic Functions.
In exercises on inorganic functions you can also test your knowledge with entrance exam questions!
Now that you know what Inorganic Chemistry is, read too:
- Arrhenius Theory
- Organic chemistry
- Acid-base indicators
