What is Organic Chemistry

What is Organic Chemistry?

Carbon is the single most important element in organisms. In fact, carbon is so important an entire field of chemistry is devoted to it. The branch of chemistry devoted to the study of carbon containing compounds is organic chemistry.

How do Organic and Inorganic Compounds Differ?

Compounds can be classified as organic or inorganic. Organic compounds contain the element carbon (C). Inorganic compounds do not contain the element carbon (C). Take a look at some examples of organic and inorganic compounds.

Organic Compounds	Inorganic Compounds
C₆H₁₂O₆	NaCl Remember, Cl stands for chlorine, not carbon
CH₄	NO
	CO₂ Carbon dioxide is an exception to the rule. Although it contains carbon, carbon dioxide behaves like an inorganic compound.

Why is Carbon Unique?

Let’s address this burning question. There are over one-hundred elements that exist in nature. Why is an entire branch of chemistry devoted to carbon?

The answer to this question is in the atomic structure of a carbon atom.

Carbon

12.01

Atomic # = 6 # of Protons = 6 # of Electrons = 6

The atomic structure of carbon looks like this.

Electron Configuration:

1st Energy Level= 2 electrons

2nd Energy Level= 4 electrons

Carbon is not stable by itself. It has only four valence electrons but desires eight. Carbon obtains these through covalent bonds (sharing electrons with other atoms). This desire for FOUR more electrons means carbon has some unique abilities. It can:

1. Form up to four covalent bonds with other atoms at one time.

Methane= CH₄

	_{Each shared pair of electrons between C and H is a covalent bond.}
	_{In a molecule of methane, there are four covalent bonds.}

2. Form single, double, and triple covalent bonds with other atoms.

In a single bond, one pair of electrons is shared.

One line represents a single bond.

In a double bond, two pairs of electrons are shared.

Two pairs of electrons are being shared between the two carbon atoms.

Two lines (=) represent a double bond.

In a triple bond, three pairs of electrons are shared.

Three pairs of electrons being shared is represent by an = sign with an extra line.

3. Bond to other carbon atoms forming straight chains, branched chains, and rings.

Straight Chain Carbon Molecule Branched Chain Carbon Molecule Ringed Carbon Molecule

Why does it matter?

Carbon’s unique abilities give it the capacity to form an infinite number of different compounds. Indeed, there is enough variety to construct all the substances that compose our bodies.

Click here to learn about the organic compounds in living things.