organic compound
Noun: 1. A chemical compound containing carbon: An "organic compound" is any chemical compound whose molecules contain carbon atoms, typically bonded to other carbon atoms and to atoms of other elements, most commonly hydrogen, oxygen, or nitrogen. This distinguishes it from "inorganic compounds," which may contain carbon but lack carbon-hydrogen bonds (e.g., carbonates, cyanides).
The term "organic compound" is used in scientific contexts, particularly chemistry and biology, to classify and describe the vast array of carbon-based molecules that form the basis of life and many synthetic materials. - It functions as a countable noun. - It is often modified by adjectives describing its origin (e.g., natural, synthetic) or structure (e.g., simple, complex, volatile).
- General Statement:
- Methane (CH₄) is the simplest organic compound.
- DNA and proteins are complex organic compounds essential for life.
- In a Scientific Context:
- The laboratory specializes in synthesizing new organic compounds for pharmaceutical use.
- This solvent can dissolve many organic compounds but not ionic salts.
- "Volatile organic compound (VOC)": A specific class of organic compounds that easily evaporate at room temperature, often discussed in environmental science regarding air quality.
- Paints and cleaning products can emit volatile organic compounds.
- The concept is foundational in sub-disciplines like organic chemistry, which is dedicated to the study of the structure, properties, and reactions of organic compounds.
- Organic Chemistry (n): The branch of chemistry devoted to the study of organic compounds.
- Inorganic Compound (n): A chemical compound that is not an organic compound (typically lacks carbon-hydrogen bonds).
- Hydrocarbon (n): A specific type of organic compound consisting only of carbon and hydrogen atoms (e.g., propane, benzene).
- Carbon compound: A more general, less technically precise synonym.
- Organocarbon compound: A formal synonym emphasizing the carbon content.
There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs using the specific term "organic compound." It is a technical, scientific term used literally.
- any compound of carbon and another element or a radical