For a compound to be considered organic, the essential requirement is the presence of carbon atoms. Most definitions emphasize that an organic compound must contain carbon covalently bonded to other atoms, typically hydrogen, forming carbon-hydrogen (C-H) or carbon-carbon (C-C) bonds. This carbon-based structure is the backbone of organic chemistry and distinguishes organic compounds from inorganic ones
. While carbon is mandatory, not all carbon-containing compounds are classified as organic. Some carbon compounds like carbonates, carbon dioxide, cyanides, and certain metal carbides are generally considered inorganic despite containing carbon
. The presence of hydrogen bonded to carbon is often considered a strong indicator of an organic compound, but some definitions accept any carbon- containing compound except certain exceptions as organic
. In summary:
- Carbon must be present in the compound.
- Typically, carbon-hydrogen (C-H) or carbon-carbon (C-C) bonds are present.
- Some carbon compounds without these bonds or with certain structures are excluded from being organic.
- Other elements like oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and halogens may also be part of organic compounds but are not mandatory for the classification.
Thus, the defining feature of an organic compound is the presence of carbon, usually bonded to hydrogen or other carbons
