Inorganic Chemistry, Has a Wide Range of Application

Inorganic Chemistry, Has a Wide Range of Application
Inorganic chemistry is the study of the synthesis and behavior of inorganic and organometallic compounds. It has applications in every aspect of the chemical industry–including catalysis, materials science, pigments, surfactants, coatings, medicine, fuel, and agriculture. Inorganic chemists are employed in fields as diverse as the mining and microchip industries, environmental science, and education. Their work is based on understanding the behavior and the analogues for inorganic elements, and how these materials can be modified, separated or used–often in product applications. It includes developing methods to recover metals from waste streams; employment as analytical chemists specializing in analysis of mined ores; performing research on the use of inorganic chemicals for treating soil. Many inorganic chemists go into industry, but they are also at universities and in government labs. Inorganic chemists who work in government say their time is increasingly spent writing grant proposals and competing for a small pool of research money.
Inorganic chemists compare their jobs to those of materials scientists and physicists. All three fields explore the relationship between physical properties and functions, but inorganic chemistry is the most keenly focused on these properties at the molecular level.
Is a Creative Field
The field of inorganic chemistry has traditionally been characterized by scientists with an artistic or creative flair. Many inorganic chemists say that they were drawn to the field in part by the pretty colors of the metals in the lab and by the interesting things that could be done in the lab. They often say the opportunities for creativity and inferential thinking are what they like best about their work. Describing themselves as tinkerers, inorganic chemists like putting things together and solving problems and stress the importance of being detail oriented, precise, and persistent. Inorganic chemists describe their work as a constant challenge. "The job changes all the time," says Steve Caldwell, an inorganic chemist working at Dow Chemical. "Everyday there are a new set of issues and I have to determine which are the most important ones to work on first. It's definitely not a nine to five job."
Integrates Many Disciplines
Inorganic chemistry, like many scientific fields, is becoming more interdisciplinary. Breakthroughs are anticipated in the interface between fields rather than in the more traditional area. "In the future, jobs will not be filled by super specialists," says Sauer, "but by scientists with a broad base of knowledge." Even though a course of study like materials science or polymer science may appear to better position an individual for this interdisciplinary future, chemists in the field still strongly recommend getting a degree in inorganic chemistry. A degree in the basic discipline, will give a better understanding of bonding, valence, and orbital theory. In addition, students are advised to take courses outside inorganic chemistry both to prepare themselves to integrate knowledge towards problem solving as well as be flexible in today's tough job market. "Don't just stick to inorganic chemistry," Sauer says. "Learn inorganic chemistry and see how it applies in other areas." Caldwell adds, "Starting out in inorganic chemistry doesn't mean that's what you'll always do. I spent a few years doing environmental research; there are always applications in related fields."