Chapter 22: Organic
The study of carbon-containing compounds and their properties is called organic chemistry. Although a few compounds involving carbon, such as its oxides and carbonates, are considered to be inorganic substances, the vast majority are organic compounds that typically contain chains or rings of carbon atoms. Originally, the distinction between inorganic and organic substances was based on whether a compound was produced by living systems. Organic chemistry plays a vital role in our quest to understand living systems. Beyond that, the synthetic fibers, plastics, artificial sweeteners, and drugs that are such an accepted part of life are products of industrial organic chemistry. In addition, the energy on which we rely so heavily to power our civilization is based mostly on the organic materials found in coal and petroleum.