15 Examples of Inorganic Compounds Found at Home

Organic and inorganic are two main disciplines in chemistry. Examples of Organic compounds uses come from living thing and are said to be compounds consisted C-H. Meanwhile, you can simply say that inorganic compounds are just the opposite. Most of the inorganic compounds do not contain carbon nor have C-H bonds.

Inorganic compounds are not derived from living things. They tend to be minerals or geologically based compounds without C-H bonds. Inorganic compounds consist of single element, salts, metals, sediments and ores. They have some characteristics, such as able to conduct electricity (metals), highly colored and have ability to form crystals.

Here is the list of examples of branches of inorganic compounds found at home:

1. Water (H₂O) 

Water is a simple organic compound that can be found at home. It is not only used as drinking water, but also useful in life. Inside human body, around 70% percent of them is consisted of water. Water, placed between cells has function to make up tissues and organs.

Other benefits of water are heat sink, mixer of various liquid substances, solvent, etc. In chemical reaction, there are two types of chemical reactions involved water: synthesis of dehydration and hydrolysis. Related to Chemicals in Water

2. Salt (NaCl) 

The common used salt at home is NaCl. NaCl is used to season food. The seasoning can be done during food preparation or at the table. It is also used in the past as a method of food preservation. Related to Differences between Acid, Base and Salt

3. Sulphuric Acid (H₂SO₄) 

Acids also belong to inorganic compounds. One of easiest acid that can be found at home is Sulphuric Acid (H₂SO₄). Formerly known as vitriol, it is used in lead-acid batteries for cars and other vehicles. This one examples of Inorganic Compounds found at home.

4. Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) 

The most common alkali (bases) which is found easily at home is NaOH. It is also called as caustic soda. Like salts and acids, alkali also has characteristic to dissociate in water into electrolytes. NaOH at home can be found in products for cleaning, unblocking sinks, drains and toilets. Among other ingredients, it is also used for drain cleaning products and oven cleaner. NaOH is a type of high corrosive alkali. Related to Sodium Uses in Human Body

5. Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) 

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) is naturally part of egg. It is contained at egg shells, part of hens’ eggs which is not usually eaten and used in cooking. Sometimes, it can be found in toothpaste. Marble also contains Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) and is used to make ornaments, bathroom or kitchen tiles, some work-surfaces and even steps (outside a front door).

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO₃) is used among other ingredients, such as non-prescription drug. Drugs contained CaCO₃  are used for relief from acid indigestion and heartburn. It is also considered as calcium supplements. Related to Chemical Formula and Uses of Magnesium Carbonate

6. Sodium Hypochlorite (NaClO) 

Sodium Hypochlorite (NaClO) is used in bleaching products used for laundry. NaClO is the very common domestic bleach. It is often a solution of approximation 3-6% with oxygen and other chemicals within the bleaching products.

7. Silica (SiO₄) 

Another inorganic compound with multiple uses that can be found at home is silica. Silica gel is a crystal solid of chemical SiO₄. Silica used as beads packed in vapor permeable plastics and as a desiccant in product packaging. As a desiccant, it is used to control local humidity inside product packaging. This organic compound can also be found in some forms of cat litter products.

8. Silicon Dioxide (SiO₂) 

There are several common names of Silicon Dioxide (SiO₂), quartz and sand. Many types of crystal jewelries are made from SiO₂, such as rose quartz. Quartz is also used in ornamental objects, such as candles’ holder. Meanwhile, as sand, Silicon Dioxide (SiO₂) has various uses including building sand and sand for sand pits (for playing).

9. Teflon 

The one loved by Mom for making food, Teflon, is also no other than product made by inorganic compounds. It is made from a polymer which is called Polymer of Tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The chemical form of PTFE is (C₂F₄)_n. Teflon is used as a non-stick coating for cookware, in containers and pipework for reactive and corrosive chemicals.

10. Ammonia (NH₃) 

NH₃ is the chemical form of inorganic compound, Ammonia. It is used for detergents, dyes and fragrances. It can be found among other ingredients which is also used in glass and hard surface cleaner.

11. Magnesium Hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) 

Magnesium Hydroxide is a common base, an inorganic compound, that also can be found at home. It is well-known as milk of magnesia. It is used as a home remedy, including antacid for neutralizing stomach acid and sometimes laxative. 

12. Alloy of Sn, Cu, Sb and Pb 

Alloy is also part of inorganic chemistry. Alloy that you may find at home is made of tin (Sn), copper (Cu), antimony (Sb) and lead (Pb). This alloy has modern uses, such as decorative objects. It is also used to make tableware, tankard and plates.

13. Alloy of Sn and Sb 

Other alloy that can be easily found at home is alloy made from tin (Sb) and antimony (Sb). It is used for making solder. Solders, soldered joints, exist in most of the electronic products. It is not only for home use, but also industrial use.

14. Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) 

As an inorganic compound, the common name of Calcium Hydroxide is plaster. Calcium Hydroxide has chemical form Ca(OH)₂ which is base. Plaster is used in construction, including interior walls in houses.

15. Carbon (C) 

The common names of carbon for home use are diamond and graphite. Graphite can be found even inside your school bag. Product made by graphite is pencil. Carbon is also used in diamond jewelries and diamond glass-cutters.

Naturally, most of the compounds in this universe are inorganic. Therefore, they can be applied and used in our everyday life. Even, we can easily find examples of Inorganic Compounds found at home.