What type of compound is characterized by the absence of carbon?

The correct answer highlights that inorganic compounds are defined by their lack of carbon content, distinguishing them from organic compounds, which are based on carbon. Inorganic compounds can include a wide variety of substances, such as salts, minerals, and metals. Examples include water (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and various metal oxides.

Furthermore, understanding that organic compounds, which contain carbon and are often associated with living organisms, and hydrocarbons, which specifically focus on compounds made up of hydrogen and carbon, helps clarify their differences from inorganic compounds. Amino acids are organic molecules containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen, further emphasizing the distinctiveness of inorganic compounds regarding carbon content.