Organic Chemistry — Definition

Definition

Organic chemistry studies carbon compounds through their structures, properties and reactions, with conventional exceptions such as carbon dioxide and carbonates usually treated as inorganic. Carbon's self-linking ability and usual tetravalency support chains, rings and branches.

Molecular formulas give atomic totals, while structural representations show connectivity. Functional groups organise many chemical comparisons, and isomers demonstrate that the same formula can describe different structures.

The word organic does not establish natural origin, safety or biodegradability. A sound explanation identifies the chemical arrangement and relevant conditions instead of treating a broad category label as proof of a substance's behaviour or suitability.