Name:_______________________________________________
Aim 28: Inorganic Compounds vs. Organic Compounds
Date:________________________
Molecules can be either organic or inorganic.
How does the term ORGANIC in chemistry differ from the term organic at the grocery store?
Grocery Store:
Chemistry:
Living creatures are made up of and require various kinds of both inorganic and organic compounds.
For example, water, carbon dioxide, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids are all molecules
essential to life.
Inorganic Molecules:
Ex.
Organic Molecules:
Ex.
Why Carbon?
How many valence electrons does Carbon have?
Draw the Lewis Dot Structure for Carbon:
What kind of bonds can Carbon form?
Though Question:
Carbon defines organic life on Earth, but some scientists think that silicon could serve a similar function,
possibly allowing life on other planets. Can you explain why Silicon might be as versatile as Carbon?
Name:_______________________________________________
Aim 28: Inorganic Compounds vs. Organic Compounds
Date:________________________
Fill in the following table of organic and inorganic compounds and answer the questions that
follow:
Substance
Formula
Iron
Butane
Baking Soda
Olive Oil
Methane
Neon
Sodium
Lactose (milk)
Steroid
Hydrogen
peroxide
Propane
Glycerin
Fructose (fruit)
Aluminum
Ammonia
Wax
Sodium Chloride
Isopropyl alcohol
Sand
Water
Canola oil
Cellulose (wood)
Drano
Glucose
Fe
C4 H10
NaHCO3
C18 H34 O2
C H4
Ne
Na
C12 H 22 O11
C27 H 46
H2O2
Organic or
Inorganic
Use (fuel, food,
building,
medicine,
cleaning product,
etc.)
C3 H 8
C3H8O3
C6H12O6
Al
NH3
C25H52
NaCl
C3H7OH
SiO2
H 2O
C18H30O2
(C6H10O5 )n
KOH
C6H12O6
1. What element(s) do all organic compounds have in common?
2. What is the most common use for most of the lightweight organic compounds in this list
(fewer than 10 carbon atoms)?
3. Can you infer from their formulas which seem more complex, inorganic or organic
compounds? Give some examples to defend your answer.
4. How does the composition of organic foods in this chart compare to the composition of
organic fuels?
Name:_______________________________________________
Date:________________________
Aim 28: Inorganic Compounds vs. Organic Compounds
5. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) also contains a carbon atom. Why is carbon dioxide an inorganic
compound?
6. Which statement explains why the element carbon forms so many compounds?
a. Carbon atoms readily form ionic bonds
b. Carbon atoms only need 1 electron to fill their valence shell
c. Carbon atoms only have 1 valence electron
d. Carbon can form single, double, and triple bonds with other elements, such as other
hydrogen, oxygen, and other carbon atoms.
7. Which element is present in all organic compounds?
a. Nitrogen
b. Carbon
c. Oxygen
d. Phosphorous
8. Which of the following is NOT an example of an organic compound?
a. Water
b. Propane
c. Olive oil
d. Glucose
9. The following equations are for two very important biological processes. Place a Circle around
the organic molecules and Place a Square around the inorganic molecules in both equations.
Photosynthesis:
6CO2
+
6 H2O
+
Light
→
C6H12O6
+
6O2
a. Where does this process occur?
b. Why is it important to living things?
Respiration:
C6H12O6
+ 6O2
→
6CO2
+
a. Where does this process occur?
b. Why is it important to living things?
6H2O
+
ENERGY
Name:_______________________________________________
Aim 28: Inorganic Compounds vs. Organic Compounds
Date:________________________