Answer
The criterion for considering a compound to be organic is based on its chemical composition and the presence of carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms. Historically, organic chemistry was defined as the study of compounds derived from living organisms. These compounds were believed to possess a "vital force" that was responsible for their synthesis in living organisms. However, this definition is no longer valid, and modern organic chemistry is based on a more precise set of criteria:
1. Carbon-Hydrogen (C-H) Bonds: Organic compounds must contain carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms. This is a fundamental characteristic of organic compounds. While other elements like nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and halogens can also be present in organic molecules, the presence of C-H bonds is essential.
2. Carbon Backbone: Organic compounds typically have a carbon backbone, which consists of carbon atoms bonded to one another in various ways. This carbon skeleton can form straight chains, branched chains, or ring structures.
3. Covalent Bonding: Organic compounds are primarily held together by covalent bonds, where electrons are shared between atoms. This is in contrast to inorganic compounds, which often involve ionic bonding or metallic bonding.
4. Complexity and Diversity: Organic compounds can be highly complex and diverse, with a wide range of functional groups (specific arrangements of atoms) that can be added to the carbon skeleton. These functional groups impart specific chemical properties and reactivity to organic molecules.
It's important to note that while these criteria are generally used to classify compounds as organic, there are some exceptions and borderline cases. For example, certain compounds containing carbon-hydrogen bonds, such as carbonates, cyanides, and carbides, are often considered inorganic. Additionally, the field of organometallic chemistry deals with compounds that contain metal-carbon bonds but are still considered part of organic chemistry due to the presence of C-H bonds.
In summary, the presence of carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms and the use of covalent bonding are the primary criteria for considering a compound to be organic, but the field has evolved beyond its historical definition to encompass a wide range of carbon-containing compounds with diverse structures and properties.
Work Step by Step
The criterion for considering a compound to be organic is based on its chemical composition and the presence of carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms. Historically, organic chemistry was defined as the study of compounds derived from living organisms. These compounds were believed to possess a "vital force" that was responsible for their synthesis in living organisms. However, this definition is no longer valid, and modern organic chemistry is based on a more precise set of criteria:
1. Carbon-Hydrogen (C-H) Bonds: Organic compounds must contain carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms. This is a fundamental characteristic of organic compounds. While other elements like nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and halogens can also be present in organic molecules, the presence of C-H bonds is essential.
2. Carbon Backbone: Organic compounds typically have a carbon backbone, which consists of carbon atoms bonded to one another in various ways. This carbon skeleton can form straight chains, branched chains, or ring structures.
3. Covalent Bonding: Organic compounds are primarily held together by covalent bonds, where electrons are shared between atoms. This is in contrast to inorganic compounds, which often involve ionic bonding or metallic bonding.
4. Complexity and Diversity: Organic compounds can be highly complex and diverse, with a wide range of functional groups (specific arrangements of atoms) that can be added to the carbon skeleton. These functional groups impart specific chemical properties and reactivity to organic molecules.
It's important to note that while these criteria are generally used to classify compounds as organic, there are some exceptions and borderline cases. For example, certain compounds containing carbon-hydrogen bonds, such as carbonates, cyanides, and carbides, are often considered inorganic. Additionally, the field of organometallic chemistry deals with compounds that contain metal-carbon bonds but are still considered part of organic chemistry due to the presence of C-H bonds.
In summary, the presence of carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms and the use of covalent bonding are the primary criteria for considering a compound to be organic, but the field has evolved beyond its historical definition to encompass a wide range of carbon-containing compounds with diverse structures and properties.
