Organic chemistry

Organic chemistry is the scientific study of the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and synthesis of organic compounds that by definition contain carbon. Organic compounds are composed of carbon and hydrogen, and may contain any number of other elements. Organic compounds often contain nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus or sulfur.

History

Organic chemistry as a science is generally agreed to have started in 1828 with Friedrich Woehler's synthesis of the organic, biologically significant compound urea by accidentally evaporating an aqueous solution of ammonium cyanate NH₄OCN. The name organic chemistry comes from the idea that carbon chains were only produced by living things or organisms. This has been proven false, but remains the reason why organic chemistry is close in name to the word organism.

Characteristics of organic substances

Organic compounds are covalently bonded and thus, its bonds are directional. This allows for unique structures such as long carbon chains and rings. The reason carbon is excellent at forming unique structures and that there are so many carbon compounds is that carbon atoms form very stable covalent bonds with one another (catenation). In contrast to inorganic materials, organic compounds typically melt, sublime, or decompose below 300°C. Neutral organic compounds tend to be less soluble in water compared to many inorganic salts, with the exception of certain compounds such as ionic organic compounds and low molecular weight alcohols and carboxylic acids where there is hydrogen bonding present. Organic compounds tend to be much more soluble in organic solvents such as ether or alcohol, but the solubility in each solute is dependent on the functional groups present and of the general structure.