Organic Chemistry
Organic chemistry is the branch of chemistry that studies the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and synthesis of carbon-containing compounds. Carbon's ability to form four covalent bonds and long chains makes it uniquely suited to build the enormous diversity of organic molecules. This field underpins biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and materials science.
Major Branches of Organic Chemistry
| Branch | Focus Area | Key Products | Example Reaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrocarbon Chemistry | Alkanes, alkenes, alkynes | Fuels, solvents | Combustion |
| Functional Group Chemistry | Alcohols, acids, amines | Drugs, flavors | Esterification |
| Polymer Chemistry | Macromolecules | Plastics, rubber | Addition polymerization |
| Stereochemistry | Spatial arrangement | Chiral drugs | Asymmetric synthesis |
| Natural Products | Biosynthesis | Antibiotics, vitamins | Extraction |
Interactive Tools
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Related Terms
Hydrocarbon
A hydrocarbon is an organic compound consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms, forming the simplest class of organic molecules. Hydrocarbons are classified by their bonding: saturated (single bonds only) or unsaturated (containing double or triple bonds). They are the primary constituents of fossil fuels and serve as feedstocks for the petrochemical industry.
Functional Group
A functional group is a specific atom or group of atoms within an organic molecule that determines its characteristic chemical reactions and physical properties. Functional groups are the reactive centers of organic molecules; the carbon skeleton (backbone) largely determines size and shape, while the functional group dictates behavior. Identifying functional groups is the foundation of systematically predicting and classifying organic reactions.
Aromatic Compound
An aromatic compound is a cyclic, planar organic molecule with a continuous system of delocalized pi electrons that follows Hückel's rule (4n + 2 π electrons), conferring exceptional stability known as aromaticity. Benzene (C₆H₆) is the archetypal aromatic compound, where six pi electrons form a resonance-stabilized ring. Aromatic compounds are pervasive in pharmaceuticals, dyes, explosives, and plastics — the "aromatic" name originates from their historically pleasant smell.
From Greek "organon" (organ, tool) + Latin "chemia" (alchemy). The term "organic" was coined by Swedish chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius in 1807 to describe compounds derived from living organisms, before Friedrich Wöhler's 1828 synthesis of urea demolished the vitalist theory.