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Inorganic Chemistry

Inorganic chemistry is concerned strictly with the properties and behaviors of inorganic compounds, including everything except organic compounds (any compound containing a carbon-hydrogen bond is considered organic), which are studied in organic chemistry. There is significant overlap between the two fields of study, but there are also areas that are distinct and separate.

Like all other major branches of chemistry, inorganic chemistry is further subdivided into many different specialties. Descriptive inorganic chemistry, for instance, classifies and describes properties of inorganic compounds or of groups of organic compounds. Other branches are based on major inorganic subdivisions, like metallics and silicates.

Main group elements studied in inorganic chemistry includes the elements in groups 13-18 of the periodic table (metallics) and alkali and alkaline earth metals. Group 3 and group 12 elements are also usually included. Organometallics are studied in both organic and inorganic chemistry. Carbon compounds that don’t have hydrogen bonds, or at least don’t have many hydrogen bonds, are also considered carbon compounds.

Web Resources On Inorganic Chemistry

Inorganic Chemistry Journal
Inorganic Chemistry Teaching Resources

Book Resources On Inorganic Chemistry

Inorganic Chemistry by Holleman & Wiberg
Chemistry of the Elements by Greenwood & Earnshaw

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