Organic Chemistry Basics · 8 min read
Meaning and sources of organic compounds
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Introduction to Organic Chemistry
Welcome to the world of Organic Chemistry. Many students think it is hard, but it is just the study of things around us. Think about the petrol in an Okada, the plastic bucket you use for water, or the Garri you eat for lunch. All these are linked to organic chemistry.
Years ago, scientists believed that organic compounds could only come from living things like plants and animals. They thought a special 'vital force' was needed to make them. However, in 1828, a man named Friedrich Wöhler proved them wrong by making an organic compound (Urea) from an inorganic one in a lab.
Meaning of Organic Chemistry
Organic chemistry is simply the branch of chemistry that deals with the study of compounds containing Carbon. While all organic compounds have carbon, not all carbon compounds are organic. For example, CO2 and carbonates are treated as inorganic.
It is the chemistry of carbon and its ability to bond with other elements like Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen.
Why Carbon is Special
Carbon is the star of the show. It has a unique ability called Catenation. This is just a big word that means carbon atoms can join together like a long chain or a ring, similar to how people hold hands in a line.
Carbon can form four bonds because it has a valency of four, which allows it to build complex structures.
Natural Sources of Organic Compounds
Nature is the biggest factory for these compounds. We get them from several places:
Coal: This is formed from trees that died millions of years ago. When we heat coal without air (destructive distillation), we get things like coal tar and coke.
Petroleum and Natural Gas: This is our 'Black Gold' in Nigeria. It provides fuel like petrol, kerosene, and gas for our stoves.
Plants: They give us carbohydrates (like Yam), proteins (like Beans), and oils (like Groundnut oil).
Animals: They provide fats, proteins, and hormones.
Synthetic Sources
We do not only rely on nature. Scientists now make many organic compounds in the lab or in big factories. These are called Synthetic compounds.
1. Plastics: Your yellow jerrycans and nylon bags are made in factories.
2. Drugs: Medicine like Paracetamol or Aspirin are organic compounds made by chemists.
3. Synthetic Fibres: Materials like Polyester or Nylon used for clothes.
Key points
- •Organic chemistry is the study of carbon-containing compounds.
- •Friedrich Wöhler disproved the Vital Force Theory by synthesizing Urea.
- •Catenation is carbon's ability to form long chains or rings.
- •Major natural sources include Coal, Petroleum, and Plants.
- •Organic compounds can be natural or man-made (synthetic).