Inorganic chemistry is a vast field, and it is divided into several major branches based on the type of compounds or the area of study. Here’s a overview:
1. Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry
- Focuses on the properties, structures, and reactions of elements and their compounds.
- Often organized by groups in the periodic table.
- Examples: Study of alkali metals, halogens, transition metals.
2. Theoretical Inorganic Chemistry
- Uses mathematical models and theories to explain chemical bonding, structures, and reactivity.
- Includes:
- Quantum chemistry
- Molecular orbital theory
- Crystal field theory
3. Bioinorganic Chemistry
- Studies the role of inorganic elements in biological systems.
- Examples:
- Iron in hemoglobin
- Magnesium in chlorophyll
- Zinc in enzymes
4. Industrial Inorganic Chemistry
- Focuses on inorganic compounds used in industry.
- Examples:
- Fertilizers (NH₄NO₃, K₂SO₄)
- Catalysts (Pt, Ni)
- Pigments (TiO₂)
5. Solid-State Chemistry
- Studies the structure, properties, and behavior of solids, especially crystalline solids.
- Examples:
- Metals, ceramics, semiconductors
- Superconductors
6. Coordination Chemistry
- Deals with complexes or coordination compounds containing a central metal ion and ligands.
- Examples:
- [Cu(NH₃)₄]²⁺
- [Fe(CN)₆]³⁻
7. Organometallic Chemistry
- Studies compounds containing metal–carbon bonds.
- Important for catalysis and synthesis.
- Examples:
- Ferrocene (Fe(C₅H₅)₂)
- Grignard reagents (RMgX)
8. Analytical Inorganic Chemistry
- Focuses on methods to identify and measure inorganic substances.
- Examples:
- Gravimetric analysis
- Volumetric (titration) analysis
- Spectroscopic methods
9. Environmental Inorganic Chemistry
- Studies the impact of inorganic substances on the environment.
- Examples:
- Heavy metal pollution (Pb, Hg)
- Water treatment chemicals (Al₂(SO₄)₃, FeSO₄)