What category do water, salts, and various acids and bases belong to?

Water, salts, and various acids and bases belong to the category of inorganic compounds. Inorganic compounds are characterized by the absence of carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds, which distinguishes them from organic compounds. Water is a simple molecule that is essential for all known forms of life, yet it does not contain carbon. Similarly, salts, which are formed from the reaction of acids and bases, are typically ionic compounds that also do not have carbon in their structure. Acids and bases, like hydrochloric acid (HCl) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH), exhibit similar characteristics as they are defined by their properties rather than their carbon content.

Recognizing these distinctions is crucial, particularly in chemistry, where the understanding of compound classifications significantly impacts biological processes and reactions, hence shaping multiple areas such as biochemistry, environmental science, and medical fields.