Inorganic chemistry

Article By:

Katz, Joseph J. Chemistry Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois.

Last reviewed:January 2020

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.345300

The chemical reactions and properties of all the elements in the periodic table and their compounds, with the exception of the element carbon. The chemistry of carbon and its compounds falls in the domain of organic chemistry. The boundaries of inorganic chemistry with the other major areas of chemistry are not precisely defined, and it is often a matter of taste as to whether a particular topic is to be included in the field of inorganic chemistry or is to be considered physical or even organic chemistry. Physical chemistry may be defined as the application of quantitative and theoretical methods to chemical problems, and is a methodology rather than a specific body of knowledge. Investigations into theoretical inorganic chemistry or the study of problems in inorganic chemistry by quantitative and sophisticated physical methods may be considered either inorganic or physical chemistry quite arbitrarily. In similar fashion, organometallic compounds may be considered to be in the sphere of either inorganic or organic chemistry. The modern inorganic chemist is concerned with problems that once were considered the prerogative of physical chemists, organic chemists, or even biochemists. See also: Physical chemistry

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