Organic chemistry, also known as the chemistry of carbon compounds, is the science of the composition, structure, properties, preparation methods and applications of organic compounds, and is an extremely important branch of chemistry. A large number of studies have proved that organic compounds contain the element carbon, so people call compounds containing carbon organic compounds. However, in addition to carbon, the vast majority of organic compounds also contain hydrogen, and some also contain oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen and halogens.
Organic chemistry is a branch of chemistry that studies carbon-containing compounds and their derivatives, mainly studying their structure, properties, synthesis and application. Most organic compounds contain mainly carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) elements, but may also contain oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), sulfur (S) and other elements.
Historical Development
The term “organic chemistry” was first introduced by Betserius in the 18th century. At that time, it was named as an antithesis of “inorganic chemistry”. Due to scientific conditions, organic chemistry can only be studied by permitted organic substances extracted from natural plant and animal organisms. Therefore, many chemists feel that the existence of the so-called “life force” in living organisms to produce organic compounds, and in the laboratory can not be synthesized from inorganic compounds.
This belief began to change with groundbreaking experiments. In 1824, the German chemist Wille made oxalic acid from cyanide by hydrolysis; in 1828 he inadvertently used a permitted measure of heat to convert ammonium cyanide into urea. Cyanide and ammonium cyanate are inorganic compounds, while oxalic acid and urea are organic compounds. The results of Wille’s experiment gave the first impact on the doctrine of “life force”. Since then, organic compounds such as acetic acid have been synthesized from carbon, hydrogen and other elements, and the doctrine of “vitality” has been gradually abandoned.
As a result of improvements and developments in synthetic measures, more and more organic compounds were synthesized in the laboratory, the vast majority of which were synthesized under conditions very different from those in living organisms. The doctrine of “vitality” was abandoned, but the term “organic chemistry” is still in use today.
Foundation of Analytical Methods
French chemist Lavoisier found that organic compounds combustion, the production of carbon dioxide and water. His research work for the quantitative analysis of organic compounds laid the foundation for the elements. 1830, the German chemist Li Bixi developed a carbon, hydrogen analysis method, 1833 French chemist Dumas established a nitrogen analysis method. The establishment of these organic quantitative analysis method allows chemists to find an experimental formula for a compound.
Organic Chemistry in Everyday Life
Chemistry is closely related to our lives and there are many examples of its presence and influence in our daily lives. Here are some specific examples:
Food and Cooking
The preservation and cooking of food involves chemistry. For example, fresh fruits and vegetables contain a variety of chemicals, such as vitamins and antioxidants, which are important for maintaining good health. During the cooking process, the chemicals in food change to produce new flavors and textures.
Cleaning Products
Cleaning products such as laundry detergents and dishwashing liquids use chemical reactions to remove stains and grease. The ingredients in these cleaning products usually include chemicals such as surfactants, acids, or bases.
Pharmaceuticals
Drugs are another important application of chemistry. Whether they are prescription or over-the-counter drugs, they use chemical reactions to treat disease. The ingredients of drugs are usually made up of chemical substances.
Plastics and Polymers
Plastics are one of the most common chemicals used in everyday life. Plastics are polymers formed from monomers through polymerization reactions, and such polymers are ubiquitous in our lives, such as plastic bags, containers, and packaging materials.
Energy and Fuels
The production and utilization of fuel and energy are also important applications of chemistry. For example, gasoline and diesel fuel are obtained through the chemical processing of petroleum, while solar cells produce electricity through photoelectrochemical reactions.
Examples of Organic Chemistry Applications in Food Industry
Examples of the application of organic chemistry in food:
The food industry uses enzymes to convert complex plant and animal proteins into fragments with a natural taste. For example, enzymes can be followed by additives (e.g. kinases) to break down proteins so that they have a palatable texture in the mouth. For example, the texture of cheese is caused by a series of organic chemical reactions.
Oxidation is the most commonly used organic chemical technique in food processing. It is the use of oxidizing agents will be milk products or fruits and vegetables in certain substances inhibited, in order to synthesize new substances and obtain the color of stable taste. For example, a certain type of cheese (e.g., Romano cheese) is fermented with lactic acid bacteria and iron oxide to produce a cheese with a defined odor and taste.
Saccharification is an organic chemical technology of food processing, it is the use of glycosidase catalyzed hydrolysis and polymerization of sugar substances to form glycosides, glycosides, aromatic esters and molasses and other sugar. These food additives are used to enhance the taste of foods, to increase the stability of inorganic salt solutions in foods, and to improve the color of foods. For example, different saccharides can be used to make chocolate, honey, spices, baked sugar crisps and other foods.
Alcoholization refers to the hydrolysis of glycosides in the production process of food, so that they are converted into starch and alcohols to improve the taste of food and enhance the flavor of food. For example, in the manufacturing process of common carbonated beverages, sugar substances will be converted into bubbles, alcohols, gases and acids to make them tasty and delicious.
Wide-Ranging Applications of Organic Chemistry
Many of the ingredients in cosmetics rely on organic chemistry to synthesize them, like the fragrances that give products their distinctive flavors. Organic chemistry is essential to drug development, and many effective drugs are organic compounds. Organic chemistry helps make synthetic fibers, which allow for more choices in clothing. Plastic products are the result of organic chemistry and make everyday life easier. Organic components in paints determine their properties, providing beauty and protection to objects. Adhesives are synthesized based on organic chemistry and are used to bond various materials. Rubber products are produced by organic chemical processes and are used in a wide range of applications such as tires.
Organic chemical processes in petrochemicals produce large quantities of fuels and chemicals. Organic chemistry provides pesticides for agriculture to control pests and diseases and to safeguard harvests. Organic ingredients in detergents help remove stains and grease. The manufacture of flavors and fragrances utilizes organic chemistry to enrich the olfactory experience. Organic chemistry has a key application in the treatment of leather, enhancing its quality.
The production of food packaging materials draws on organic chemistry to ensure food safety and freshness. The composition of ink involves organic chemistry to make writing and printing clearer and longer lasting. The emergence of synthetic leather is a result of organic chemistry, replacing some genuine leather products. The stickiness of glue comes from the formulation of organic chemistry. Organic chemistry is involved in the manufacture of foams for cushioning and insulation. Candles, whose main components are organic compounds, provide illumination and decoration.
The production of photographic film uses organic chemistry to record images. The ingredients in chewing gum are formulated using organic chemistry at to give it a good taste. Organic chemistry is used to make plastic tableware. Organic ingredients in hair dyes change the color of hair. Organic chemistry helps to synthesize rubber gloves for protection and work. Organic substances in shampoos and conditioners improve the condition of hair. Organic chemistry plays a role in the development of toothpaste ingredients that protect oral health. Organic chemicals are used in the manufacture of toys to ensure safety and durability. Organic chemistry provides a wide range of scents for aromatherapy products. Fibers and dyes in carpets are related to organic chemistry.
Organic chemistry is involved in the manufacture of materials for blackout curtains. Certain parts of sports equipment are made from organic chemical materials. Materials for eye masks and earplugs are produced using organic chemistry. Organic chemistry helps to produce coatings for waterproof clothing. The fireproofing of curtains is based on organic chemistry. Organic chemistry is involved in the synthesis of materials for upholstery. Organic chemistry is used to manufacture pet toys and supplies. Organic chemistry is used to produce materials for yoga mats. Fabrics for tents benefit from organic chemistry innovations. Organic chemistry plays a role in the manufacture of materials for life preservers. Anti-fogging treatment for swimming goggles utilizes organic chemistry. Organic chemistry helps produce tires and handlebars for bicycles. Insulated mugs rely on organic chemistry processes for their liner coatings.
Organic Chemistry in Daily Life Categories
Organic chemistry in life:
Accompaniments: meat tenderizer, starch
Seasonings: vinegar; saccharin, xylitol, MSG
Supplies: plastic bags/tubs, all plastic casings, circuit board substrates, circuit protectors
Clothing: Clothing (cotton/chemical fiber), buttons
Transportation: fuel, tires, lubricants/grease, resin panels
Residential: insulation (northern, not usually available in the south), PVC plumbing.
Understanding Organic Compounds Structure
There is no absolute division between organic and inorganic compounds. Organic chemistry is a separate discipline from chemistry because organic compounds have intrinsic connections and properties. The element carbon, located in the middle of the periodic table, generally achieves a stable electronic configuration (i.e., forms covalent bonds) by sharing outer electrons with atoms of other elements. This covalent bonding determines the properties of organic compounds.
Most organic compounds are composed of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen, and a few contain halogens and elements such as sulfur, phosphorus and nitrogen. As a result, most organic compounds have a low melting point, can be burned, soluble in organic solvents and other properties, which is very different from the nature of inorganic compounds.
In organic compounds containing more than one carbon atom molecules, carbon atoms are combined with each other to form the skeleton of the molecule, and the atoms of other elements are connected to the skeleton. No other element in the periodic table is bonded to each other as strongly and in as many ways as carbon. The molecular skeleton formed by carbon atoms takes many forms, including straight chains, branched chains, and rings.
Historical Context of Organic Chemistry Development
In the early stages of the development of organic chemistry, the main raw materials for the organic chemical industry were animals and plants, and organic chemistry was mainly concerned with the separation of organic compounds from animals and plants.
Conclusion
Organic chemistry has evolved from a discipline once believed to require “life force” to a comprehensive science that touches every aspect of our daily lives. From the food we eat to the clothes we wear, from the medicines that heal us to the materials that shelter us, organic chemistry provides the foundation for countless products and processes that make modern life possible. Understanding these examples helps us appreciate the profound impact that this branch of chemistry has on our world.
