Non-Redox-Active Inorganic Compounds

These compounds are nearly all nonflammable. Some are combustible; the majority are not. Those that are combustible are usually only poorly combustible.

These materials have weak oxidizing or reducing powers. However, redox reactions can still occur with very strong oxidizing or reducing agents. The majority of compounds in this class are slightly soluble or insoluble in water. If soluble in water, then the solutions are usually neither strongly acidic nor strongly basic. These compounds are not water-reactive. Metal oxides of relatively electronegative metals (mostly Groups 6-10) can undergo highly exothermic redox reactions with electropositive metals (mostly Groups 4-5 and Aluminum). These reactions are generally known as thermite reactions.

Most are toxic by ingestion; degree varies widely. Arsenates and arsenites are often quite toxic by skin contact, and inhalation of dust.

This category is used for salts where no other descriptor applies. These are salts resulting from the reaction of strong or weak acids with strong or weak bases. The pH of solutions may not be 7, but the salts do not react vigorously with acids or bases unless some other driving force is at work. These materials would not be considered oxidizers or reducing agents. The group includes metal oxides that are not basic or acidic.

Iron(III) oxide, sodium chloride, lead arsenate, aluminum oxide, asbestos, barium chloride, cadmium bromide.