Organic chemistry is the branch of chemistry that studies the structure, properties, composition, reactions and synthesis of carbon-containing compounds, which form the chemical basis of all known life as well as the majority of synthetic materials such as plastics, pharmaceuticals and fuels. The field's foundational moment is often traced to Friedrich Wohler's 1828 synthesis of urea, an organic compound, from inorganic starting materials, which undermined the then prevailing belief that organic compounds could only be produced by living organisms. Modern organic chemistry underpins the pharmaceutical and petrochemical industries and remains central to understanding biochemical processes within living cells.
Facts
Founded YearFriedrich Wohler 1828 synthesis of urea from inorganic starting materials, now called the Wohler synthesis, is commonly cited as founding organic chemistry by disproving the vital-force doctrine that organic compounds could arise only from living organisms. Central QuestionHow the bonding patterns of carbon give rise to the structural diversity and reactivity of organic compounds. 1 ScopeOrganic chemistry is a subdiscipline of chemistry studying the structure, properties and reactions of organic compounds and materials containing carbon. 1 SignificanceOrganic compounds form the basis of all known life and the majority of known chemicals, including pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals and plastics. 1 Organic Chemistry
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Connections
Founded By
Source Justus von Liebig (Wikipedia)
Uses
The rotary evaporator removes solvent from a reaction mixture under reduced pressure, routine bench apparatus in organic-chemistry synthesis and workup.
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Organic chemistry
WikipediaLead section, definition sentence
Organic chemistry is a subdiscipline within chemistry involving the scientific study of the structure, properties, and reactions of organic compounds and organic materials
Lead section, scope sentence
The bonding patterns of carbon, with its valence of four
Lead section, closing sentence
Organic compounds form the basis of all known life and constitute the majority of known chemicals.
History
In 1828 Friedrich Wöhler produced the organic chemical urea (carbamide), a constituent of urine, from inorganic starting materials (the salts potassium cyanate and ammonium sulfate), in what is now called the Wöhler synthesis.
View the Source Justus von Liebig (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFounded By: Justus von Liebig, Introductory paragraphQuote, Founded By: Justus von Liebig, Introductory paragraph
he is considered one of the principal founders of organic chemistry
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