inorgânicos

Inorgánicos refers to substances that are not organic. Organic compounds are typically defined as those containing carbon, often bonded to hydrogen, and sometimes other elements like oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, and halogens. Inorganic compounds, in contrast, encompass all other chemical substances. This category includes elements, simple compounds of elements like water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2), as well as salts, acids, and bases.

The distinction between organic and inorganic chemistry is a fundamental division in the field of chemistry, though there are some exceptions and overlaps. For instance, while carbon is a defining element of organic chemistry, some simple carbon-containing compounds like carbonates (e.g., calcium carbonate, CaCO3) and cyanides (e.g., sodium cyanide, NaCN) are traditionally classified as inorganic.

Inorganic compounds play crucial roles in numerous natural processes and industrial applications. Minerals, metals, and salts are all inorganic. They are essential components of the Earth's crust and are vital for life, even though they do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds. Examples include the oxygen we breathe, the water we drink, and the rocks that form our planet. In industry, inorganic compounds are used in the production of fertilizers, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and construction materials. The study of inorganic chemistry focuses on the synthesis, structure, properties, and reactions of these diverse substances.