Inorganic substances are a group of chemicals that contain no carbon. Examples include ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, all metals, and most elements (such as calcium).

Inorganic compounds are used as catalysts, pigments, coatings, surfactants, medicines, fuels, and more. They often have high melting points and specific high or low electrical conductivity properties, which make them useful for specific purposes. For example: Ammonia is a nitrogen source in fertilizer.

Inorganic compounds essential to human functioning include water, salts, acids, and bases. These compounds are inorganic; that is, they do not contain both hydrogen and carbon.