Organic chemistry is the scientific study of the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and preparation of organic compounds. It is a branch of chemistry that deals with the molecules containing carbon atoms. Organic molecules can be found in all living organisms, as well as in many man-made products. The study of organic chemistry includes the understanding of how these molecules interact with each other and how they are formed.
Organic chemists use their knowledge to develop new pharmaceuticals, plastics, fuels, and other materials. They also work in environmental science and forensic science. Many organic chemists work in academia as researchers or teachers.
The word “organic” refers to anything that contains carbon atoms bonded together in chains or rings. The term was first used by German chemist August Kekule von Stradonitz in 1857 to describe compounds that were derived from living organisms. Today, we use the term to refer to both natural and synthetic (man-made) products that contain carbon atoms bonded together.
Most of the matter on Earth is composed of organic molecules. In fact, all living things are made up of organic molecules. Carbon is unique among elements because it can form very strong bonds with itself and other elements like hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus—elements that are essential for life on Earth.
The ability of carbon to bond with so many other elements makes it possible for there to be an immense variety of different organic compounds—estimated to be over 10 million! The vast majority of these have never been synthesized or characterized by chemists; they exist only in nature.