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Inorganic Chemicals - Uses and Applications in Daily Life

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 Inorganic Chemicals - Uses and Applications in Daily Life


Inorganic Chemicals Pratices are chemical compounds that lack carbon–hydrogen bonds in their structure. They can be metallic or non-metallic in nature and consist of minerals, salts, ores and many other naturally occurring and synthetic substances without organic components. Some of the major classes of inorganic chemicals include metals, metalloids, salts, acids, bases and inorganic compounds. While many people think of inorganic chemicals as being limited to labs and industries, they actually play a crucial role across multiple sectors and are an integral part of our daily lives.


Uses of Metals

Inorganic Chemicals in metals constitute one of the largest groups of inorganic chemicals. Important metallic elements used on a large scale include iron, aluminum, copper, zinc, lead, magnesium and tin. Iron and steel are the backbone of construction industry and manufacturing sector. Aluminum finds applications in transport, packaging, electrical works etc due to its lightweight and conductivity. Copper is utilized for wiring, pipes and various alloys. Metals are extensively mined, smelted and processed to manufacture a plethora of products essential for modern civilization ranging from buildings and infrastructure to vehicles, machinery and equipment.


Salts in Everyday Items

Salts refer to ionic crystalline compounds formed between metals and non-metals. Common table salt or sodium chloride is vital for food processing, preservation and consumption. Other important salts are calcium carbonate (chalk, limestone), copper sulphate (fungicides), potassium chloride (fertilizers) and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Salts play integral roles as ingredients, preservatives, leavening agents, pH buffers etc in a wide array of food items, beverages and personal care products. Calcium and magnesium compounds are commonly added to tap water for health purposes. Sodium chloride is the most widely used de-icing agent globally during winters.


Acids, Bases and Cleaning Agents

Acids and bases are important inorganic compounds used extensively for industrial and domestic cleaning applications. Sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid and nitric acid are some major mineral acids employed on a large scale in chemical processing industries. Citric acid, acetic acid, lactic acid are commonly found in soft drinks, jams, pickles etc due to their sour taste and preservative properties. Sodium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide solutions find cleaning applications as drain openers and metal cleansers. Ammonium compounds are widely used in household cleaners, as they do not leave residue. Bleaching powder, used for whitening clothes and disinfection, contains inorganic hypochlorite.


Inorganic Pigments and Dyes

Naturally occurring iron oxides give the red color to soil. They along with other metal oxides like chromium oxide, cobalt blue, cadmium yellow, zinc white, titanium dioxide etc. are extensively used as coloring pigments in paints, plastics, ceramics, paper, inks, construction materials and other industrial products. Lead chromate imparts the bright yellow color to roadside paints. Ferric ferrocyanide produces the traditional Prussian blue hue. These inorganic pigments have excellent opacity, tinting strength and weatherability properties. Pig iron and chromium salts yield various black, green and other synthetic organic dyes.


Glasses, Ceramics and Construction

Major constituents of glass are silica sand and soda ash, an inorganic compound. Glass is one of the most important materials globally with wide usage ranging from windows, bottles, labwares to fiber optics. Brick manufacturing involves firing of clay at high heat to produce ceramic material. Cement - the binder for construction is made by heating limestone, clay and other minerals. Plaster of Paris is a form of calcium sulfate used for wall finishes and molds. Aluminum silicate minerals form the bulk of common sand, concrete and asbestos containing materials used extensively in buildings and infrastructure development.


Pharmaceuticals and Medical Aids

Many important drugs, medical devices and healthcare products rely on inorganic chemicals. Calcium and iron supplements are essential micronutrients. Baking soda helps relieve acid reflux and heartburn. Iodized salt prevents iodine deficiency disorders. Aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide are used as antacids. Sodium fluoride is employed to strengthen teeth. Diagnostic imaging techniques like X-rays utilize technetium and barium salts. Bandages and surgical blades contain inorganic substrates. Titanium, stainless steel and nitinol are used to manufacture pacemakers and orthopedic implants. This exhibits inorganic chemicals' wide prevalence in medicinal applications.


Electronics and Advanced Materials

Silicon forms the base material for semiconductors that power computers and integrated circuits. LED lights employ gallium nitride and phosphors. LCDs, plasma displays use indium tin oxide coatings for conductivity. Multi-layered ceramic capacitors contain inorganic dielectric materials like tantalum pentoxide. NiMH and lithium ion batteries employ transition metal oxide cathodes. Superconductors involve exotic materials like cuprates. Carbon fiber composites, artificial diamonds and aerogels showcase innovative advanced materials derived from inorganic precursors. This underscore inorganic substances' importance in enabling cutting-edge technologies. Inorganic compounds impact virtually every domain spanning energy, construction, manufacturing, transportation, healthcare and more. Their prevalence in daily merchandise including clothing, cosmetics and home appliances highlights pervasive dependence on these substances. While organic chemistry deals with carbon chain compounds, the realm of inorganics is equally significant. With sustainability becoming a concern, efforts to boost recycling and reduce environmental footprint of inorganic chemicals are underway. Overall, this overview illustrates inorganic materials' deep penetration and indispensable role across all facets of modern society.


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About Author:

Vaagisha brings over three years of expertise as a content editor in the market research domain. Originally a creative writer, she discovered her passion for editing, combining her flair for writing with a meticulous eye for detail. Her ability to craft and refine compelling content makes her an invaluable asset in delivering polished and engaging write-ups.


(LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vaagisha-singh-8080b91)

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