Tlenkowe

Tlenkowe is an adjective used in Polish chemistry to describe substances that contain oxygen, most notably oxides (związki tlenkowe). The term encompasses a broad class of inorganic compounds formed when elements react with oxygen. The most common representatives are tlenki metali (metal oxides) and tlenki niemetali (nonmetal oxides).

Tlenki metali are typically ionic in nature and form basic or amphoteric compounds. They often react with water to produce metal hydroxides or with acids to form salts. Examples include calcium oxide (CaO) and iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3). Tlenki niemetali usually form covalent substances and are often acidic; examples include carbon dioxide (CO2) and sulfur trioxide (SO3). Some oxides exhibit amphotericity, displaying both acidic and basic behavior; notable amphoteric oxides are aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and zinc oxide (ZnO).

Classification by acid–base behavior is common: acidic oxides (tlenki kwasowe) such as CO2 and SO3; basic oxides (tlenki zasadowe) such as Na2O and CaO; and amphoteric oxides (tlenki amfoteryczne) such as Al2O3, ZnO. The chemical properties of tlenkowe compounds depend on their composition and structure, with ionic lattices typical for many metal oxides and covalent networks for many nonmetal oxides.

Formation commonly occurs via oxidation of elements, often at elevated temperatures. Reactions of oxides with water, acids, or bases are common pathways to other inorganic compounds, including hydroxides, acids, and salts. Tlenkowe compounds have wide industrial relevance, including cement production (CaO), glass and ceramics (various metal and metalloid oxides), catalysis, and protective oxide coatings on metals.