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Questions and Answers
What is the debated definition of an organic compound in chemistry?
What is the debated definition of an organic compound in chemistry?
The debated definition of an organic compound in chemistry is whether it contains carbon–hydrogen or carbon–carbon bonds, or simply whether it contains carbon.
Give an example of a carbon-containing compound considered organic and one considered inorganic.
Give an example of a carbon-containing compound considered organic and one considered inorganic.
An example of an organic carbon-containing compound is methane (CH4), while an example of an inorganic carbon-containing compound is carbon tetrachloride (CCl4).
Why are millions of organic compounds known?
Why are millions of organic compounds known?
Millions of organic compounds are known due to carbon's ability to catenate, which allows it to form chains with other carbon atoms.
What discipline focuses on the properties, reactions, and syntheses of organic compounds?
What discipline focuses on the properties, reactions, and syntheses of organic compounds?
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What are a few classes of carbon-containing compounds that are generally considered inorganic for historical reasons?
What are a few classes of carbon-containing compounds that are generally considered inorganic for historical reasons?
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Study Notes
Definition of Organic Compound
- Organic compounds are traditionally defined as substances primarily consisting of carbon atoms, usually bonded to hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, or other elements.
- There is ongoing debate concerning certain carbon-containing compounds, such as carbonates (e.g., CO2) and carbon oxides, which are usually classified as inorganic.
Examples of Organic and Inorganic Compounds
- Organic example: Ethanol (C2H5OH), a carbon-containing alcohol used in beverages and as a solvent.
- Inorganic example: Carbon dioxide (CO2), a colorless gas produced during respiration and combustion, lacking the typical structure of organic compounds.
Diversity of Organic Compounds
- Millions of organic compounds exist due to the versatility of carbon, which can form stable bonds with various elements and create intricate structures, including chains and rings.
- Carbon's capacity for catenation (forming long chains of atoms) allows for the formation of numerous isomers, further increasing compound diversity.
Discipline of Organic Chemistry
- Organic chemistry is the branch of chemistry dedicated to studying the properties, reactions, and synthesis of organic compounds.
- This field plays a crucial role in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and materials science.
Classes of Inorganic Carbon-Containing Compounds
- Certain carbon-containing compounds are historically classified as inorganic, including:
- Carbonates (e.g., calcium carbonate, CaCO3)
- Carbides (e.g., silicon carbide, SiC)
- Oxides of carbon (e.g., carbon monoxide, CO)
- This classification stems from historical context rather than modern definitions based on chemical structure.
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Description
Explore the definitions and debates surrounding organic compounds in chemistry. Test your knowledge on the classification of carbon-containing compounds and the varying perspectives of different authors.
