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Inorganic Compound

Inorganic compounds are difficult to define positively, but most agree the negative definition that they include any compound that is not organic. But exactly what constitutes organic is often debated. Inorganic compounds typically come from mineral, non-biological sources. Some definitions include all metal-containing compounds, including those found in living things. Others exclude all carbon compounds except for cyanide salts, carbon oxides, and carbonates.

Perhaps the best way to define them is by stating that for the most part, inorganic compounds do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds, a hallmark of organic molecules. Major branches of inorganic compounds include minerals like salts, asbestos, and silicates; metals and metal alloys; and metal complexes, including compounds with nonmetallic elements.

Inorganic compounds are studied in a branch of chemistry called inorganic chemistry, and this subcategory is further divided into the different branches of inorganic compounds. Organic and inorganic chemistry overlaps in many different places, particularly when studies include organometallic chemistry.


Web Resources On Inorganic Compound

Naming Inorganic Compounds
What is the difference detween an inorganic and organic compound?


Book Resources On Inorganic Compound

Mass Spectrometry of Inorganic and Organometallic Compounds by Henderson & McIndoe
Properties of Inorganic Compounds by Sidney L. Phillips

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