
Inorganic salts
Definition & Composition
Inorganic Salts are ionic compounds composed of:
Cation: Metal (e.g., Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Al³⁺) or ammonium (NH₄⁺)
Anion: Nonmetal (e.g., Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻) or polyatomic ion (e...
Category:Inorganic Chemicals
Introduction
Definition & Composition
Inorganic Salts are ionic compounds composed of:
- Cation: Metal (e.g., Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Al³⁺) or ammonium (NH₄⁺)
- Anion: Nonmetal (e.g., Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻) or polyatomic ion (e.g., CO₃²⁻, PO₄³⁻)
Key Feature:
- High melting/boiling points, water-soluble, and electrically conductive in solution.
Classification & Examples
Category | Example Salts | Chemical Formula |
---|---|---|
Chlorides | Sodium chloride | NaCl |
Sulfates | Magnesium sulfate | MgSO₄ |
Nitrates | Potassium nitrate | KNO₃ |
Carbonates | Calcium carbonate | CaCO₃ |
Phosphates | Trisodium phosphate | Na₃PO₄ |
Key Properties
Property | Typical Range | Measurement Method |
---|---|---|
Solubility | 0.1 g/L (AgCl) to 359 g/L (NaCl) | Gravimetric analysis |
Melting Point | 801°C (NaCl) to 1600°C (CaCO₃) | Differential Scanning Calorimetry |
pH in Solution | Acidic (AlCl₃) to alkaline (Na₂CO₃) | pH meter |
Applications
Industry | Function | Example Use |
---|---|---|
Agriculture | Fertilizers, soil conditioners | KNO₃ (potassium nitrate) |
Water Treatment | Coagulants, pH adjusters | Al₂(SO₄)₃ (alum) |
Food & Pharma | Preservatives, electrolytes | NaCl (table salt), MgSO₄ (Epsom salt) |
Construction | Cement additives, fire retardants | CaCO₃ (limestone) |