What are the four major classes of organic compounds and its uses

What are the four major classes of organic compounds is the question I think you have been asking yourself. Organic compounds are the compounds that contain carbon compounds which are further classified into four major classes. They are also known as heterocyclic compounds which are classified under the special types of organic compounds. Organic chemistry is the chemistry that deals with the study of all organic compounds most especially the ones that have carbon in them. The four major classes of organic compounds are;

1. Carboxylic acids

This is the most common class of organic compounds. They are known as carboxylic acids which have a carbon at their end and one more oxygen. They have the structure of COOH. The most common formula would be C₆H₁₂O₆.

2. Aldehydes and Ketones

This is the function of a molecule that has combined hydrogen in it with carbon atoms and one more oxygen atom . This type of compound has notable properties like alcohols and esters. These are mostly used in perfumes as well as lotions where they produce a good scent that makes people feel so good when they buy them for use in their day to day lives .

3. Ethers

This is the type of compound that is produced when two alcohol molecules and one more oxygen molecule combine . This is used in cleaning agents as well as in the production of plastics . They are used in manufacturing plastics that are fireproof and also don't emit hazardous gases when they are burned.

4. Aromatic compounds

They have a benzene ring structure i.e. a molecule containing six carbon atoms arranged in a circle with hydrogen and as well oxygen bonded to it. They are known to have sweet smells and so they find their way into perfumes, shampoos and candles among others . They are also used in making artificial fragrances as well as medicines . This explains what are the four major classes of organic compounds.

Benefits of organic compounds

1. They help in organic farming

The compounds are used in making certain types of fertilizers for instance the one that is used for land that is about to be farmed . When this compound is used on the land before it is farmed , it helps the crops grow well and be healthy . This helps in boosting crop production leading to increase in food production which aids in eradicating hunger .

2. They play a crucial role in medicine industry

This type of compound has been found useful in making medicines like penicillin, caffeine and aspirin. Some of the drugs we use today were developed through these compounds. This enabled them to deal with them effectively and provide relief from diseases like typhoid as well as malaria among others. This has been beneficial in reducing cases of diseases that were reported which would have been much worse had it not been for these compounds .

3. They contribute to industrial development

They are used in various manufacturing activities where they help in the production of plastics and synthetic fibers among other products. For instance, plastics can be used as wrappers, bags and containers while the synthetic fibers are used to manufacture clothes such as sweaters and jeans. This is beneficial in reducing our cost of living as well as increasing job opportunities through various manufacturing companies that have emerged due to the rise in demand for those products.

4. They aid in environmental protection

These compounds readily decompose in the presence of heat and light thus leaving less pollution byproducts. This is helpful as it helps in increasing our carbon dioxide deposits in the atmosphere and reducing those that accompany it when they are burned.

5. They increase food production and reduce hunger

Organic compounds are used to boost food production such as crops, vegetables, fruits etc among others. This is achieved through fertilizers that are made using these compounds. They also help to reduce hunger by reducing cases of starvation when they are used on farms where crops need to be grown .

6. They have been used in manufacturing synthetic fibers

These compounds are used to make synthetic fibers that are used in making clothes. This is because they are found to be very useful in enhancing the comfort and quality of clothes . These compounds can also be used in creating artificial fibers that are just like cotton but yet resist to wear and tear. This kind of fiber is useful in making tents as well as parachutes for use during air travel.

In conclusions, what are the four major classes of organic compounds, are organic compounds that have carbon in them. They are the compounds that include carboxylic acids, aldehydes and ketones. They can also be known as heterocyclic compounds which are further classified into the special types of organic compounds. Organic chemistry is the chemistry that deals with all organic compounds while they are mostly used in perfumes and lotions where they produce a good scent that makes people feel so good when they buy them.