Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry
Inorganic chemistry is the study of the synthesis, structure, and reactivity of inorganic compounds—those that do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds. It's a vast field encompassing many topics, including:
- The structure and bonding of inorganic compounds
- The reactivity of inorganic compounds
- The synthesis of inorganic compounds
- The applications of inorganic compounds
Key Points
- Inorganic compounds are typically ionic or covalent compounds.
- Their structure and bonding are understood using principles of quantum mechanics.
- Inorganic compounds are synthesized via various methods, including precipitation, hydrolysis, and oxidation-reduction reactions.
- Inorganic compounds have wide-ranging applications, such as in fertilizers, pigments, and pharmaceuticals.
Main Concepts
- Ions: Atoms or molecules with a net positive or negative charge due to electron loss or gain.
- Ionic Bonding: The electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions.
- Covalent Bonding: The sharing of electrons between atoms.
- Molecular Orbitals: Mathematical functions describing electron distribution in a molecule.
- Coordination Complexes: Molecules containing a metal ion surrounded by ligands.
- Ligands: Molecules or ions donating electrons to a metal ion.
- Redox Reactions: Reactions involving electron transfer between atoms or molecules.
- Acids and Bases: Substances donating or accepting protons (H+ ions).
- Salts: Ionic compounds formed from acid-base reactions.
Applications
- Inorganic compounds are used in many applications, including:
- Fertilizers: To enhance crop yields.
- Pigments: To add color to paints, dyes, and plastics.
- Pharmaceuticals: To treat various diseases.
- Materials Science: To develop new materials with improved properties.
- Energy Storage: To store energy from renewable sources.