Basic Inorganic Chemicals

Chemicals produced in bulk quantities and used primarily in subsequent industrial processes are termed as basic chemicals. Basic inorganic chemicals are, as the name indicates, non-carbon-based compounds, though carbon dioxide and inorganic carbonates are included under this category. Nearly 40% of the top 50 chemicals are basic inorganic chemicals [1]. Typically, seven of the top 10 chemicals produced worldwide are inorganic: sulfuric acid, nitrogen, oxygen, chlorine, phosphoric acid, ammonia, and sodium hydroxide. Nitrogen and oxygen are categorized under Industrial Gases, whereas ammonia is categorized under Fertilizer Products. The other four chemicals are considered Basic Inorganic Chemicals. Almost all of the inorganic chemicals are industrial products; that is, they are used in production of other chemicals and consumer products. For example, the largest use of sulfuric acid is in phosphate-based fertilizer production. Similarly, caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) and chlorine are used in the manufacture of organic chemicals and the pulp and paper industry.