Organic chemistry is the study of compounds containing carbon and hydrogen atoms, while inorganic chemistry is the study of compounds that do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds. In other words, organic chemistry focuses on the chemistry of life, while inorganic chemistry focuses on the chemistry of non-living things.
Both organic and inorganic chemistry have numerous practical applications. Organic chemistry is primarily used in the production of pharmaceuticals, plastics, and fuels, while inorganic chemistry is used in industries such as agriculture, electronics, and materials science. Ultimately, the practical applications of each field depend on the specific compounds and reactions being studied.
Both organic and inorganic chemistry can be complex in their own ways. Organic chemistry is often considered more complex because of the large number of possible reactions and compounds, as well as the intricacies of carbon-hydrogen bonding. However, inorganic chemistry also involves complex reactions and compounds, such as transition metal complexes and coordination compounds.
One potential pro of studying organic chemistry is that it has a more direct connection to the chemistry of life and biological processes. This can be beneficial for those interested in fields such as medicine or biochemistry. Additionally, organic compounds tend to be more diverse and can have a wider range of applications in industries such as pharmaceuticals and materials science.
No, it is not necessary for a chemist to specialize in one type of chemistry over the other. Many chemists have a broad understanding of both organic and inorganic chemistry and use their knowledge to study various compounds and reactions. However, some chemists do choose to specialize in one field based on personal interests or career goals.