Inorganic compounds are widely used in industry because of their chemical stability, reactivity, and special properties. Here’s a simple list of common applications:
1. Fertilizers
- Nitrates, phosphates, and potassium compounds help plants grow.
- Examples: Ammonium nitrate (NH₄NO₃), superphosphate (Ca(H₂PO₄)₂)
2. Cement and Construction
- Calcium carbonate, calcium oxide, and aluminum compounds are used in making cement, concrete, and bricks.
3. Glass and Ceramics
- Silica (SiO₂), boron oxide (B₂O₃), and alumina (Al₂O₃) are used to make glass, ceramics, and porcelain.
4. Metallurgy
- Metal oxides and carbonates are used to extract metals from ores.
- Examples: Fe₂O₃ for iron, Al₂O₃ for aluminum
5. Catalysts
- Transition metal compounds speed up industrial reactions.
- Examples: Fe in Haber process, V₂O₅ in contact process
6. Pigments and Dyes
- Titanium dioxide, chromium oxide, and cadmium compounds give color to paints and plastics.
7. Glass Coatings and Electronics
- Tin oxide, indium oxide, and other metal oxides are used in touch screens, solar panels, and coatings.
8. Water Treatment
- Alum (Al₂(SO₄)₃) and chlorine compounds help purify water.
9. Explosives
- Nitrates and chlorates are used in explosives and fireworks.
- Examples: Ammonium nitrate, potassium chlorate
In short:
Inorganic compounds are used in fertilizers, construction, glass, metallurgy, catalysts, pigments, electronics, water treatment, and explosives.