What type of compounds are acids, bases, and salts that lack carbon?

Acids, bases, and salts that do not contain carbon are classified as inorganic compounds. This classification is based on the general understanding within chemistry that inorganic compounds primarily consist of minerals and do not derive from living organisms. Inorganic compounds can include a wide range of substances, such as metals, salts, and minerals, and many of them play vital roles in water treatment processes and chemical reactions.

For example, common inorganic acids like sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid are widely used in water treatment to adjust pH levels and control corrosion. In contrast, organic compounds usually contain carbon and are typically associated with living organisms, such as carbohydrates and proteins, which are not relevant to this classification. Biochemical compounds, while containing carbon, specifically pertain to the chemical processes in biological systems and do not encompass all acids, bases, or salts. Lastly, covalent compounds describe the type of bond formed between atoms rather than the classification based on carbon content, thus not accurately describing acids, bases, and salts lacking carbon. Therefore, the classification of these compounds as inorganic accurately reflects their chemical nature and application.