1.1: What is Organic Chemistry?

Organic chemistry is the study of compounds of carbon called organic compounds. Organic compounds either originate from living organisms or are synthesized by chemists. A defining trait of these compounds is the presence of carbon as the principal element, which is bonded to other carbon atoms and other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. The existence of a wide array of organic molecules is a consequence of carbon atoms’ ability to form up to four strong bonds to other carbon atoms, resulting in chains and rings of many different sizes, shapes, and complexities. However, some carbon-containing compounds, such as carbonates, cyanides, and simple oxides (CO and CO₂), are not typically classified as organic compounds.

The simplest organic compounds contain only the elements carbon and hydrogen and are called hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons may differ in the types of carbon–carbon bonds present in their molecules. These may be alkanes (containing only single bonds), alkenes (containing one or more double bonds), or alkynes (containing one or more triple bonds). Although all hydrocarbons are composed of only two types of atoms (carbon and hydrogen), there is a wide variety of hydrocarbons owing to the varying lengths of chains, branched chains, and rings of carbon atoms, or to combinations of these structures. Properties such as the melting point and the boiling point usually change predictably as the number of carbon and hydrogen atoms in the molecules change.

The incorporation of a functional group into carbon- and hydrogen-containing molecules leads to new families of compounds called functionalized hydrocarbons. The functional group is a characteristic atom or group of atoms that primarily determines the properties of hydrocarbon derivatives. For example, compounds that have an –OH functional group bonded to the hydrocarbon portion are alcohols. By convention, the general formula of an alcohol is R–OH, where R is the hydrocarbon portion of the molecule. A group of compounds containing the same functional group forms a family.

Organic compounds are key components of plastics, soaps, perfumes, sweeteners, fabrics, pharmaceuticals, and many other substances used daily. Therefore, studying their structures and reactions is critical to understand their functions in real life.

Organic chemistry is the study of chemical compounds composed primarily of carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur atoms.

Organic compounds form a vast variety of molecules—from fundamental building blocks of life like DNA or plant cell walls to energy-liberating materials like fuels. They are usually easily broken down.

Carbon atoms constitute the backbone of every organic compound, which can assume diverse structures with ring-shaped, branched, and straight-chain arrangements due to carbon’s versatility in forming four bonds as either single, double, or triple bonds. 

Organic compounds can be either hydrocarbons or functionalized hydrocarbons.

Hydrocarbons are constituted entirely of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Alkanes are hydrocarbons containing single bonds. Alkenes contain one or more double bonds, while alkynes contain one or more triple bonds.

Hydrocarbons with one or more of their hydrogen atoms substituted by a specific group of atoms or functional groups are called ‘functionalized hydrocarbons’. The general formula of functionalized hydrocarbons designates the hydrocarbon portion by the letter ‘R’, followed by the specific functional group.

Functional groups can be of many types and have specific physical and chemical properties. All organic compounds carrying a common functional group fall under the same family of hydrocarbons, exhibit similar properties, and follow similar nomenclature.

For instance, all organic compounds with a carbon atom carrying an –OH functional group are called alcohols. In contrast, all organic compounds carrying carboxyl functional groups are called carboxylic acids.

Overall, understanding the structure, bonding, and reactions of organic compounds, both natural and man-made, is key to understanding their functions in real life.

Organic Chemistry – The study of carbon-based compounds, including their structure, properties, and reactions Organic Compounds – Molecules primarily composed of carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen and other elements. Hydrocarbons – Compounds made only of carbon and hydrogen, classified as alkanes, alkenes, or alkynes Functional Groups – Groups of atoms added to hydrocarbons that define new families, like alcohols with the –OH group Carbon Bonds – Carbon forms four strong bonds, allowing rings and chains of various sizes, shapes, and complexities to form.

Define Organic Chemistry – Identify organic compounds based on carbon bonding (e.g., hydrocarbons) Classify Hydrocarbons – Distinguish between all existing types (e.g., alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes) Explore Functional Groups – Recognize the ones that define chemical families (e.g., alcohols, carboxylic acids, ketones). Understand Molecular Diversity – Explain how carbon atom structure enables complexity in molecules. Connect to Real-World Use – Learn applications in plastics, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, and more.

Questions that this Organic Chemistry video will help you answer: What is an organic compound in organic chemistry What type of bond is formed between carbon and hydrogen in hydrocarbons? Hydrocarbons contain only which two types of atoms?

This Organic Chemistry video is also useful for: Students – Understand the differences between types of organic compounds and their behavior in organic chemistry. Educators – Provides a clear framework for teaching hydrocarbons, bonding, and functional groups. Researchers – Reinforces the basics of organic structures, reactions, and classifications. Science Enthusiasts – Offers insights into how carbon-based molecules impact daily life and materials.