Organic chemistry is the study of the structure, properties, and reactions of organic compounds. The branch of chemistry that deals with the study of organic compounds is called organic chemistry. Organic chemists use their knowledge of chemical reactivity to design new drugs and materials.
Most of the matter in the universe is composed of just a few elements: hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur. These five elements make up the majority of living matter on Earth. All other elements are found in trace amounts or not at all in living organisms. The unique properties of carbon allow it to form more complex molecules than any other element. This ability to form complex structures is what allows life to exist on Earth.
The study of organic compounds began in earnest in the early 19th century when scientists such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Pierre-Simon Laplace began investigating plant dyes and oils. In 1828, Friedrich Wöhler synthesized urea from ammonium cyanate, disproving the theory that only living organisms could create complex molecules from simple starting materials—a theory known as vitalism. This discovery laid the foundation for modern organic synthesis—the creation of complex molecules from simpler starting materials using chemical reactions.
Today, organic synthesis plays an important role in many areas of science and technology including drug development,materials science,and nanotechnology. New synthetic techniques have been developed that allow for the efficient construction of ever-more complex molecules with precise control over their structure and function. The field of organic synthesis continues to evolve rapidly as chemists push the boundaries of what can be accomplished through synthetic means