Organic compounds

Organic compounds represent a vast and incredibly diverse class of chemical substances fundamentally defined by the presence of carbon atoms. These molecules almost invariably include covalent bonds with hydrogen atoms, forming the backbone of countless compounds. Furthermore, organic compounds frequently incorporate other elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, halogens, and sulfur, contributing to their remarkable variety. Historically, the term ‘organic’ implied derivation solely from living organisms, a concept rooted in the early days of chemistry when these compounds were isolated from natural sources. However, through synthetic chemistry and advancements in manufacturing, a tremendous number of organic compounds – including plastics, pharmaceuticals, and fuels – are now produced industrially, with no biological origin. The study of these compounds is the core focus of organic chemistry, investigating their structure, properties, and reactions.

Types of Organic Compounds

Organic compounds are classified into several categories based on their functional groups and structure: