Organic versus Inorganic Molecules: Part I

This is the first in a three part series of understanding the molecular difference between organic and inorganic molecules. In part II, we discuss into how organics and inorganics differ in terms of molecular structure, transparency and opacity, and how molecular structure contributes to their color and properties.

The pigments in our inks can be either organic or inorganic and understanding which pigments fall under which class is key as each category has different characteristics.

The molecular structures of organic pigments are typically complex and can vary widely depending on the specific pigment. By definition, organic compounds are carbon containing compounds covalently bonded to other atoms, namely hydrogen. These molecules often contain conjugated systems of alternating single and double bonds, which can lead to extensive delocalization of electrons and give rise to vibrant colors.Organics have a molecular structure that contributes to higher vibrancy but the opacity is variable.

Inorganic pigments are composed of metal oxides, sulfides, or other inorganic compounds. The molecular structures of inorganic pigments are typically simpler compared to organic pigments, consisting of repeating units of metal atoms and non-metal atoms (e.g., oxygen)Inorganic compounds are less vibrant with opacity that is typically higher than that of inorganic molecules.

This is the first in a three part series of understanding the molecular difference between organic and inorganic molecules.

A major shift in the industry is the use of hybrids that contain both compound types. In this way, you get the vibrance of organics, but the high opacity of inorganics, When it comes to choosing ink for your clients reviewing the ingredients will help you predict ink behabior as we seek to make the best and most informed decisions for out clients.

Next week we will take a deep dive into the difference between the inverse relationship between opacity and transparency. Stay tuned!