What Do All Organic Substances Have in Common?

What do all organic substances have in common? In chemistry, an organic compound is a chemical compound that has at least one carbon atom. The basic molecular structure of organic compounds consists of a carbon atom surrounded by hydrogen atoms in covalent bonds and further bonded to other carbon atoms, either in chains or rings.

Organic compounds are classified as "organic" because they contain hydrocarbon functional groups (-C-H) connected to carbon by covalent bonds. Hydrocarbon functional groups include those that have: a carbonyl (O=C); an alcohol (R-OH) group; and an aromatic (Ar-) group, such as the phenol -OH group found in nature.

Organic compounds are also distinguished from many other kinds of compounds. They are generally low density, primarily liquid or gas at ordinary temperatures, and commonly have pleasant aromas. The latter point is one of the essential criteria chemists use to determine whether a chemical will be an organic compound. For example, two of the smallest compounds now known are considered organic, are methane (CH₄) and ethyne (H-C≡C-H), both colorless gases.

What do all Organic Substances Have in Common?

They are low in density.

All organic compounds are low in density, meaning they tend to be less dense than water. The most common reason for this is that many organic molecules have a lower mass than the elements that make up their structure. A second reason is that these materials often contain large anions (negatively-charged ions), which carry a portion of the compound's mass.

They are primarily liquids or gases at ordinary temperatures

Most organic compounds' low density and relatively small size cause them to remain as either liquids or gases under normal conditions. They do not exist as solids unless they have been chemically modified, such as by passing specific chemical reactions that attach them to a larger molecular structure.

They are usually flammable

Many organic molecules contain additional bonds in double or triple carbon-carbon bonds, which are prone to breakage under high heat conditions. If this occurs quickly, the result is combustion (burning). This means that many organic substances give off dangerous gases when burned. It is important to note that if sufficient energy is applied to the organic compounds the weak bonds will break which will stronger bonds to form thus releasing more energy. Thus if sufficient oxygen is available are organic compounds can result in the chain reaction which will cause fire.

They have pleasant aromas

Many organic compounds have a distinct smell, resulting from the various structures that give these chemicals their chemical properties. Common aromatic structures include ring-shaped molecules and chains of carbon atoms connected by double bonds. Any compound with an Ar- group is also likely to have an easily recognizable odor.

They are often found in nature

Organic compounds are very abundant on Earth, especially in the form of plant and animal life. This is due to their natural creation by living organisms and the presence of carbon-based chemicals in the environment. These chemicals also play essential roles in biological processes, such as photosynthesis and enzyme function.

Are Soluble in Non-Polar Solvents

All organic compounds are composed of carbon-containing molecules. Most of these compounds are soluble in non-polar solvents. Thus they can dissolve in gasoline, ether and other hydrocarbon solvents. Almost all organic compounds are combustible and flammable substances, making them volatile and dangerous to handle.

Are Covalently Bonded Molecules

Most organic compounds are covalently bonded molecules. They are generally composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen in variable amounts.

They have a relatively low molecular weight or at least very few atoms. Most are much lighter than water molecules. They are also soluble in non-polar solvents. This is because organic compounds are made up of carbon bonded to hydrogen, which has no electric charge and thus is not attracted to water.

Low Melting and Boiling Points

They have a low boiling point and a low melting point, just a few degrees above or below zero. The structures of organic compounds mean that they do not have the long chains of covalent bonds found in inorganic solids, which cause them to have low melting points.

Conclusion

Organic substances are quite useful in our daily lives. They are quite useful in making gasoline, detergents, plastics, natural gas, among others.