Inorganic chemistry is the branch of chemistry that deals with the study of inorganic compounds, which are substances that do not contain carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds. In contrast, organic chemistry primarily focuses on compounds that contain C-H bonds. Inorganic compounds can include minerals, metals, salts, coordination compounds, and various other substances.

Inorganic chemistry covers a wide range of topics, including the structure, properties, and reactions of inorganic compounds. Here are some key areas within inorganic chemistry:

1. Coordination Chemistry: This area involves the study of coordination compounds, which are complex molecules formed by the coordination of metal ions with surrounding ligands. Coordination compounds are often colorful and have unique electronic and magnetic properties.
2. Transition Metal Chemistry: Transition metals and their compounds are a significant focus of inorganic chemistry. These metals are known for their ability to adopt multiple oxidation states and form complex compounds.
3. Organometallic Chemistry: Organometallic compounds contain direct metal-carbon bonds. They play a crucial role in catalysis and have applications in various industrial processes.
4. Bioinorganic Chemistry: This field studies the role of inorganic elements and compounds in biological systems. Examples include metalloenzymes and metal ions in biological processes.
5. Main Group Chemistry: This area covers the chemistry of main group elements (elements from groups 1, 2, and 13-18 of the periodic table) and their compounds.
6. Solid State Chemistry: Solid state chemistry focuses on the properties and behavior of solid materials, including crystals and minerals.
7. Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry: This involves the study of the properties, preparation methods, and applications of various inorganic compounds, such as metal oxides, sulfides, and halides.
8. Inorganic Reaction Mechanisms: This area investigates the pathways by which inorganic reactions occur and the intermediates involved.
9. Inorganic Synthesis: Inorganic chemists design and develop methods for synthesizing new inorganic compounds with specific properties and applications.

Inorganic chemistry has numerous practical applications, ranging from the development of new materials to industrial processes, catalysis, medicine, environmental science, and more. It’s a fundamental branch of chemistry that provides insights into the behavior of elements and compounds that make up a significant portion of our world.