Organic chemistry

High School

Definition

The branch of chemistry that studies carbon-containing compounds, their structures, properties, and reactions. Carbon's ability to form four bonds and long chains gives rise to millions of compounds, including those that make up living things.

Worked examples

Methane \(\)CH\(_4\) has carbon bonded to four hydrogens; ethane \(\)C\(_2\)H\(_6\) chains two carbons together.

Carbon's four bonds let it form simple molecules and longer chains, the foundation of organic chemistry.

Glucose \(\)C\(_6\)H\(_{12}\)O\(_6\) is an organic compound — it contains carbon and is essential for life.

Most compounds in living organisms are organic because they are built from carbon chains and rings.

Common mistakes

All compounds containing carbon are organic → Most carbon compounds are organic, but \(\)CO\(_2\), \(\)CO\(\), and carbonates are inorganic A few simple carbon compounds are classified as inorganic by convention.
Organic chemistry only studies compounds found in living things → Organic chemistry studies all carbon-containing compounds, natural or synthetic Millions of organic compounds are human-made, like plastics and drugs.
Organic means natural or pesticide-free → In chemistry, organic refers to carbon-based molecular structure, not farming methods The everyday and scientific meanings of 'organic' are completely different.

Where you'll use it next

You'll use organic chemistry when studying biochemistry, polymers, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science. It underpins biology, medicine, and materials engineering courses.

Found in 1 StudyPug lesson

Unravel the Mysteries of Organic Chemistry

Chemistry 11

Dive into the world of carbon-based compounds and their pivotal role in life. Explore molecular structures, functional groups, and reaction mechanisms to gain insights into the chemistry that shapes our world.

11th Grade11th