Chemistry is the branch of science that deals with the study of molecules, compounds, substances that it comprises. It mainly focuses on properties of atoms and ions that are present in the substances. This subject mainly focuses on the reaction taking place between two or more compounds or substances. Any change in the environment is due to physical or chemical change and it can be analysed based on the reactions taking place between them.
What are organic compounds?
The branch of chemistry that deals with the structure and properties of organic compounds is called organic chemistry. It mainly deals with hydrocarbons. The compounds in solid, liquid or gaseous states that contain carbon atoms in their molecules are known as organic compounds. The well-stated definition of organic compounds is “Organic compound, one of a large class of chemical compounds in which one or more carbon atoms are covalently paired with other elements’ atoms, most commonly hydrogen, oxygen, or nitrogen.”
Examples of organic compounds
We have a wide range of organic compounds. Some of the organic compounds we use in our day to day life. Listed below are few examples of organic compounds
- Fertilisers: The fertiliser used by the farmers is an example of this class of compound
- Cosmetics: The cosmetics consist of lots of natural and artificial ingredients
- Vinyl chloride: It is an alkyne compound used in the production of PVC pipes
- Dyes: Dyes that are used to add colours to substances are made up of these chemicals
- Drugs and medicines: The medicines and drugs prescribed by the doctor that helps in curing diseases are purely chemically based.
Carbon is the mandatory atom
Carbon is the mandatory atom in the organic molecule. Carbon is the principal factor as it consists of four electrons that can hold eight electrons in an outer shell. This property yields in bond formation with other carbon atoms and elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.
- The atomic number of carbon is 6
- The electronic configuration of carbon is: 1s22s22p2
- It has 4 electrons in its outermost shell. This shows it can form 4 bonds with other atoms. Hence carbon is a tetravalent atom.
Bonds in organic compounds
Each and every compound is different from one another. The basic differentiation in these compounds can be made by the type of bonds present in them.
- Alkanes: These are compounds that comprise single bonds. Their general formula is CnH2n+2. Example: CH4
- Alkenes: Alkenes are compounds that possess double bonds and have a general formula is CnH2n. Example: C2H4
- Alkynes: These have triple bonds and their general formula is CnH2n-2. Example: C2H2
Applications of organic compounds
Organic compounds have a wide range of applications. Listed below are few applications of organic compounds
- Medical Field: The medicines used by the doctors and patients for curing the disease are purely organic-based.
- Food industry: The food industry uses preservatives to store and preserve food fresh for a longer time.
- Agriculture: The fertilisers and pesticides used by the farmers in the agricultural processes are made up of organic compounds
- Cosmetics: The cosmetics such as perfumes, nail polish etc are all products of organic compounds.
- Detergents and soaps: The soaps and detergents used by us in our day to day life are a combination of molecules of organic compounds.
Organic chemistry is a vast subject. It is used and applied in all the things which we use in our daily activities. These are also found naturally in plants and animals. Some of these are extracted from plants and animals to fulfil essential needs. Many scientists are still performing some experiments and research to extract these natural compounds and some are synthesised artificially as well. This has a wide range of applications and we dive deep into it and we find it has created wonders.