Introduction to Organic

Chemistry

A. Explain the historical development of

organic chemistry
B. Recognize the breadth, depth and scope
of organic chemistry
C. Relate organic chemistry to daily living

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1 New Way Chemistry for Hong Kong A-Level Book 3A
 Development of Organic Chemistry
as a Science

In the past (before 1800s)

Chemistry

Organic Inorganic
compounds compounds
obtained from obtained from
living organisms non-living sources
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 Organic Chemistry

“Study of living things”

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 Organic Chemistry

“Chemistry of Carbon”

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 “Chemistry of Carbon”
Organic chemistry is a scientific study of the structure,
properties, and reactions of organic compounds and
organic materials.
When we look at organic chemistry, we’re mainly looking at
molecules composed of carbon and hydrogen, however we may also
see nitrogen, sulfur, oxygen, phosphorous, silicon, and the halogens
(F, Cl, Br, I, and At) taking a part in our compounds and reactions.
Organic compounds are generally composed of long carbon chains
displaying covalent bonds. Group 1 and 2 organometallic
compounds, metalloids and transition metals.

Combustion of a Hydrocarbon
The general format for a combustion reaction is:
CxHy + O2 --> CO2 (g) + H2O
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 1. The history of organic chemistry can
be traced back to ancient times when
medicine men extracted chemicals from
plants and animals to treat members of
their tribes. Organic chemicals were
used in ancient times by Romans and
Egyptians as dyes, medicines and
poisons from natural sources, but the
chemical composition of the substances
was unknown.
Their knowledge formed the
basis of modern pharmacology which has
a strong dependence on knowledge of
organic chemistry.

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 Jon Jacob Berzelius.
“Vitalism”

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 Michel Chevreul
“No need for a vital force”

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The crucial breakthrough for organic chemistry
Friedrich August Kekulé and Archibald Scott Couper in 1858.

“Carbon is tetravalent”

carbon lattice
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 3. It was a student of Berzelius' who made the discovery that would result in
the abandonment of Vitalism as a scientific theory. In 1828, Frederich Wöhler
discovered that urea - an organic compound - could be made by heating
ammonium cyanate (an inorganic compound).

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11 New Way Chemistry for Hong Kong A-Level Book 3A
 Development of Organic Chemistry
as a Science
Redefining … ...

Organic chemistry is the study of carbon

compounds (except Carbon oxides, carbonates,
obtained
hydrogencarbonates, carbides and cyanides)
from natural sources or synthesized in the
laboratories.

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 Natural Sources of Organic Compounds

Living Carbohydrates /
things Proteins / Fats /
Vitamins /
Antibiotics

A variety of
organic products
obtained from
living things
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 Some organic chemicals

DNA Medicines
Fuels

Materials Essential oils Pigments

 The range of application of organic
compounds is enormous and also includes,
but is not limited to, pharmaceuticals,
petrochemicals, food, explosives, paints, and
cosmetics.

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