Mittemetalliliste

Mittemetalliliste is a term derived from the Estonian language meaning "non‑metallic" or "non‑metal." In chemistry it is used to classify elements and substances that do not exhibit the typical characteristics of metals. Non‑metals are distinct from metals and metalloids in several fundamental properties. They tend to have lower density, lower electrical conductivity, and higher electronegativity. Their atomic and ionization energies are generally higher, and they often form covalent bonds rather than metallic bonds. Typical non‑metallic elements include hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, sulfur, selenium, tellurium, and the noble gases.

The non‑metallic group is an integral part of the periodic table’s division of elements into metals, non‑metals, and metalloids. While metals are usually found in the left and central portions of the table, non‑metals occupy the right side, just below the noble gases. Non‑metals are essential for life and chemistry; they form the backbone of organic molecules, drive photosynthesis, and are key players in industrial processes such as the production of sulfuric acid and ammonia.

In material science, non‑metallic compounds are valued for their insulating properties. They are commonly used in electronics as dielectrics, in optics as glass and plastics, and in chemical engineering as catalysts and reactants. The classification of an element as non‑metallic often relies on a combination of its physical characteristics, its position in the period table, and the type of bonding it participates in. This straightforward categorization aids chemists and scientists in predicting reactivity and behavior across a wide spectrum of chemical and industrial applications.