Organic chemistry is the branch of chemistry that deals with the study of carbon-based compounds, their properties, structure, and reactions. It is a fundamental discipline that forms the basis of many scientific fields, including biochemistry, medicine, and materials science.
Organic compounds can be found in all living organisms, and they also make up a large portion of our everyday materials, such as plastics, fuels, and medicines. Some common examples include carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
Functional groups are specific arrangements of atoms or bonds within a molecule that determine its reactivity and chemical properties. They are responsible for the characteristic properties of organic compounds and can be classified into various categories, such as alcohols, aldehydes, and carboxylic acids.
The main difference between organic and inorganic chemistry is the type of compounds they study. Organic chemistry deals with carbon-based compounds, while inorganic chemistry focuses on non-carbon-based compounds. Inorganic compounds are typically simpler and have fewer bonds than organic compounds.
Organic chemistry plays a crucial role in our everyday lives, from the food we eat, the clothes we wear, to the medicines we take. It is also essential in the development of new materials, such as plastics and polymers, and in the production of fuels and energy sources. Organic chemistry has also contributed greatly to our understanding of biological processes and the treatment of diseases.