Getting to Know: Organic and Inorganic Compounds
As you learn more about chemistry, you may
have questions about some everyday items.
Which elements are in your favorite book, or the
breakfast you had this morning? What makes
things different, on a chemical and atomic level?
In this concept, you’ll begin to learn the answers to
these questions as you study organic and inorganic
compounds.
What are organic and inorganic
compounds? How do they differ?
Organic compounds are chemical compounds that
Everyday items, such as books, are made
contain carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms.
of organic and inorganic compounds.
We call this common bond a hydrocarbon. Earlier
scientific textbooks claimed that any substance
that contained carbon was considered an organic compound. Today, that explanation has
been modified to be more specific. Compounds with hydrocarbons are considered organic.
Organic compounds are usually also bonded together with atoms from other elements, such
as oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, or phosphorus.
Inorganic compounds do not contain any hydrocarbon groups. This is the key difference
between organic and inorganic compounds.
Misconception 1: Is a chemical compound simply a mixture of elements?
Compounds and mixtures are different. In a mixture, the chemical bonds of the elements
remain unchanged, though the substance may change its physical state. In a compound,
the atoms of the different elements are chemically bonded together.
What are some examples of organic and inorganic compounds?
Organic and inorganic compounds are very important. Our lives rely on many of
these compounds in a variety of ways. Common organic compounds include proteins,
carbohydrates, and lipids (fats). They also include nucleic acids, which are important in the
production of human DNA. Other common organic compounds include sugars, cellulose,
plastics, nylon, rayon, alcohol, methane, and petroleum.
There are many examples of inorganic compounds in our everyday lives. Some inorganic
compounds include water, salt, ammonia, rust, and carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a
gas containing carbon and oxygen. It is considered inorganic because it doesn’t have any
hydrocarbons.
Concept: Organic and Inorganic Compounds
Getting to Know
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Do organic compounds share similar properties?
Most organic compounds share several similarities. To begin, organic compounds generally
have weak covalent bonds. That means the bonds between chemically bonded electrons can
be easily broken. In addition, organic compounds have relatively low melting and boiling
points, and they will ignite and burn if they are heated in the presence of oxygen. If heated
without oxygen, organic compounds will decompose. Also, most organic compounds are
poor conductors of electricity.
Misconception 2: My mom just brought home some organic food from the store.
Is that somehow related to organic compounds?
Organic foods and organic compounds are different. If a food item is considered organic,
it was produced without any pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals. In chemistry, the
term “organic” means that a compound contains atoms from the hydrocarbon group.
Where do organic compounds come from, and why are they
so important?
Most organic compounds are found in living
organisms or in their remains. For example, human
bodies are full of organic compounds. Fossil fuels
contain organic compounds because they formed
from the fossilized remains of once-living organisms.
There are other organic compounds that are
synthesized. These organic compounds still contain
hydrocarbons but they’re made in a factory, not in
the natural world. Synthetic organic compounds
include nylon and plastics.
Organic compounds are important because many
are essential for life. Our bodies need proteins,
carbohydrates, sugars, lipids, and nucleic acid in
order to live. Many hydrocarbons, like oil and coal,
are an important source of fuel. They help power
our modern lives. The organic compounds in
pharmaceuticals are important for keeping people
healthy and fighting diseases. Synthetic organic
compounds, like nylon, are lightweight and durable.
Many of them are part of the items we use every day, like clothes, toys, and automobiles.
The chemical compounds in our lives are very important. Learning more about organic and
inorganic compounds can help you discover more about the world.
Concept: Organic and Inorganic Compounds
Getting to Know
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© Discovery Education. All rights reserved.
Discovery Education is a subsidiary
of Discovery Communications, LLC.