Organic chemistry is the study of the structure, properties, and reactions of compounds that contain carbon. These compounds are found in living organisms and also can be synthesized artificially. Organic compounds are characterized by the presence of carbon-hydrogen bonds and are often based on hydrocarbons, which are molecules made up of only hydrogen and carbon atoms.
Inorganic chemistry is the study of the structure, properties, and reactions of compounds that do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds. These compounds are typically not found in living organisms and are not based on hydrocarbons. Inorganic compounds can include elements such as metals, nonmetals, and metalloids.
There are many classes of organic compounds, including:
Hydrocarbons: These are compounds that are made up of only hydrogen and carbon atoms. They can be saturated (single bonds only) or unsaturated (double or triple bonds). Examples include alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes.
Alcohols: These are compounds that contain a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a carbon atom. Examples include ethanol and methanol.
Ethers: These are compounds that contain an oxygen atom bonded to two carbon atoms. Examples include dimethyl ether and ethyl methyl ether.
Aldehydes: These are compounds that contain a carbonyl group (-CO) at the end of a carbon chain. The carbonyl group can also be found within a chain of carbon atoms. Examples include formaldehyde and acetaldehyde.
Ketones: These are compounds that contain a carbonyl group (-CO) within a carbon chain. Examples include acetone and 2-butanone.
Carboxylic acids: These are compounds that contain a carboxyl group (-COOH) attached to a carbon chain. Examples include acetic acid and propionic acid.
Esters: These are compounds that contain a carbonyl group (-CO) bonded to an oxygen atom and a hydroxy group (-OH). They are formed by the reaction of a carboxylic acid with an alcohol. Examples include ethyl acetate and butyl acetate.
Amines: These are compounds that contain a nitrogen atom bonded to one or more carbon atoms. They can be primary, secondary, or tertiary, depending on the number of carbon atoms bonded to the nitrogen atom. Examples include methylamine and ethylamine.
Nitriles: These are compounds that contain a carbon atom bonded to a nitrogen atom and a triple bond (-CN). Examples include acetonitrile and propionitrile.
Aromatic compounds: These are compounds that contain a ring of carbon atoms with alternating single and double bonds. They are usually characterized by their pleasant odors and are often found in natural products. Examples include benzene and toluene.