Inorganic acids, in general, do not contain carbon atoms. Many inorganic acids are strong acids. They are used in the production of other chemicals, explosives, fertilizers, metals, paints, plastics, and synthetic fibers, and in the refining of petroleum. Sulfuric acid, a strong inorganic acid, is commonly used as the fluid in automobile batteries. Other important inorganic acids are hydrochloric acid and nitric acid.
Organic acids contain carbon atoms.
They are used in beverages, cosmetics, detergents, foods, drugs, plastics, and soaps. Amino acids, which contain nitrogen, are also organic acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and some of them are necessary for human life. Emily Jane Rose, Ph.D., Science Education Consultant, Science Through Experiments Program. How to cite this article.