II.

Important Inorganic Compounds

Advances in inorganic chemistry have made significant contributions to modern living. For instance, synthetic fertilizers manufactured from inorganic chemicals have increased worldwide crop production. Inorganic substances used to fabricate silicon chips help power the global information age. Engineers use metal alloys in automobiles and aircraft to make them lighter and stronger. Companies also use inorganic compounds to fabricate concrete, steel, and glass—materials used to construct buildings, infrastructure, and other public works around the world.

In the United States, 10 of the 11 most commonly produced chemicals are derived from inorganic elements. These 10 inorganic chemicals (presented below in descending order of production) are used in a wide variety of applications. Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) is used to make fertilizers, synthetic fibers, and metals. Nitrogen (N₂) is used in recovering underground petroleum deposits, in the production of ammonia (NH₃), and as a blanketing material for shipping perishables such as fruits and vegetables. Oxygen (O₂) is used in the production of steel and plastics, in medical applications, and in rocketry. Lime (CaO) is used in the manufacture of steel and cement. Ammonia (NH3) is combined with sulfuric acid to make ammonium sulfate (NH₄SO₄), the most important of the synthetic fertilizers.

The remaining five most commonly produced inorganic chemicals (which frequently interchange rankings in production volume) are also used in a wide variety of applications. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), commonly called lye, is used in the manufacture of paper, soap, detergents, and synthetic fibers, and is also a caustic material used as a drain cleaner. Chlorine (Cl₂) is used to manufacture vinyl chloride plastic, to disinfect drinking water, and to bleach paper during manufacturing. Phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) is used to give soft drinks a tart flavor and to make fertilizers. Sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), more commonly known as soda ash, is used in the production of glass, paper, and textiles. Nitric acid (HNO₃) is used to make synthetic fibers, such as nylon; explosives, such as nitroglycerin and TNT (trinitrotoluene); and is also combined with ammonia to make fertilizer.