What Defines Organic Substances in Chemistry?

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SUMMARY

Organic substances are defined primarily by their covalent bonding, low melting points, and limited solubility in water. They are characterized by the absence of high stability in hot concentrated sulfuric acid, which is a common test for identifying organic matter. Carbon compounds, excluding oxides, cyanides, and carbonates, are classified as organic, with specific valence indicators such as C4- for methane and C3- for carboxylic acids. Understanding these criteria is essential for distinguishing organic substances in chemistry.

PREREQUISITES
  • Covalent bonding principles
  • Basic knowledge of chemical stability and reactions
  • Understanding of carbon compounds and their classifications
  • Familiarity with sulfuric acid testing methods
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of covalent bonds in organic chemistry
  • Research the role of sulfuric acid in organic compound identification
  • Explore the classification of carbon compounds, focusing on alkanes and alkenes
  • Learn about the stability of organic compounds under various chemical conditions
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, educators, and professionals interested in organic chemistry and the classification of carbon-based substances will benefit from this discussion.

no idea
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what is organic substances?
 
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Hello, I think you need very elementary knowledge of organic substances.

Well, if a substance contains covalent bonds rather than ionic, not having a high melting point, not very soluble in water, we may briefly consider it to be a potential organic substance. Organic compounds are not stable to hot concentrated sulfuric acid; and this test is frequently done to search any organic matter in a given substance. If there is some, then some coal-like carbon particles occur due to sulfuric acid's oxidation.

I think that is enough for a person wondering what organic substances are. But we are eager to help you, if you have further questions.

regards, chem_tr
 
Carbon compounds not including oxides, cyanides, or carbonates.
 
but isn't carbon dioxide has a low melting point?
 
no idea said:
but isn't carbon dioxide has a low melting point?

As Shawn says, excluding oxides.
 
Yes, I agree with Shawn and Janitor and add that any compound containing carbon less than 4+ formal valence (indicator of CO2) might be organic. C4- is characteristic of methane, and C3- is its homolog alkanes; C2- is of ethylene and other terminal alkenes, and so on. When we come to C3+, it is seen with all of carboxylic acids. But the statement "any carbon compound excluding carbonates, cyanides and dioxide" is simpler. Note that nitrile and cyanide are similar in structure, with the difference being covalent and ionic, respectively.

I hope you've gained an idea about organic substances.

Regards, chem_tr
 

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