In inorganic chemistry, we study all elements of the periodic table, but some are more common because of their abundance, unique properties, or importance in reactions. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Alkali Metals (Group 1)
- Elements: Lithium (Li), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Rubidium (Rb), Cesium (Cs), Francium (Fr)
- Features: Very reactive, soft metals, form strong bases with water.
- Examples of compounds: NaCl, KOH
2. Alkaline Earth Metals (Group 2)
- Elements: Beryllium (Be), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Strontium (Sr), Barium (Ba), Radium (Ra)
- Features: Less reactive than alkali metals, form oxides and hydroxides.
- Examples of compounds: MgO, CaCO₃
3. Transition Metals (Groups 3–12)
- Elements: Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Nickel (Ni), Cobalt (Co), Titanium (Ti), etc.
- Features: Form colored compounds, multiple oxidation states, important in complexes.
- Examples of compounds: [Cu(NH₃)₄]²⁺, Fe₂O₃
4. Post-Transition Metals
- Elements: Aluminum (Al), Tin (Sn), Lead (Pb), Bismuth (Bi)
- Features: Softer metals, form oxides and salts.
- Examples: Al₂O₃, PbS
5. Nonmetals
- Elements: Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O), Phosphorus (P), Sulfur (S)
- Features: Form covalent compounds, acids, and oxides.
- Examples: H₂O, CO₂, NH₃, H₂SO₄
6. Halogens (Group 17)
- Elements: Fluorine (F), Chlorine (Cl), Bromine (Br), Iodine (I), Astatine (At)
- Features: Highly reactive nonmetals, form salts with metals.
- Examples: NaCl, HF, KBr
7. Noble Gases (Group 18)
- Elements: Helium (He), Neon (Ne), Argon (Ar), Krypton (Kr), Xenon (Xe), Radon (Rn)
- Features: Inert gases, rarely react, sometimes form compounds under special conditions.
- Examples: XeF₂, KrF₂
8. Lanthanides (Rare Earth Metals)
- Elements: Cerium (Ce), Neodymium (Nd), Europium (Eu), etc.
- Features: Typically +3 oxidation state, used in magnets, lasers, and catalysts.
9. Actinides
- Elements: Uranium (U), Thorium (Th), Plutonium (Pu)
- Features: Radioactive, used in nuclear energy and weapons.
So, inorganic chemistry focuses on metals, nonmetals, and their compounds, especially those forming salts, oxides, acids, bases, and coordination compounds.