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1: Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry

Last updated

Mar 19, 2021
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- 1.1: What is Inorganic Chemistry?

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This chapter introduces some history and context about the field of Inorganic Chemistry.

1.1: What is Inorganic Chemistry?
The term "Inorganic Chemistry" originated from the historical distinction between organic (carbon-based) and inorganic (non-carbon) substances. While originally associated with non-living things, the field now includes areas like organometallic compounds and molecules with metallic properties. Inorganic Chemistry is broad, extending beyond non-carbon molecules, and is intertwined with other disciplines. It encompasses diverse sub-fields, illustrating its vast scope.
1.2: Inorganic vs Organic Chemistry
The boundaries between inorganic and organic chemistry are increasingly blurred, particularly evident in the use of organometallic catalysts which contain both metals and carbon. These catalysts challenge traditional classifications as they could be considered both inorganic and organic. Metal ions commonly found in biology also question the division.
1.3: History of Inorganic Chemistry
1.4: Perspectives
Inorganic chemistry has a rich history characterized by talented scientists who have made foundational discoveries in the field. Early issues of the Inorganic Chemistry journal feature debates on inorganic structure and reactivity. The field is noted for its diversity, with scientists contributing to the discovery of elements, development of materials, and formulation of theoretical frameworks.
1.5: Practice problems
This page contains questions designed to assess comprehension of the reading in a chapter on inorganic chemistry. It inquires about the historic definition of inorganic chemistry, issues stemming from that definition, three sub-fields within inorganic chemistry, and the class of inorganic compounds with bonds between metals and carbon.

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