1. 25-2: Carbon Compounds

2. Vitalist Theory An early theory of chemistry that proposed that a “vital” force was necessary to produce the carbon compounds found in nature Friedrich Wöhler, German chemist, disproved theory when he made synthetic urea

3. Organic Chemistry The study of carbon compounds

4. Organic molecule A molecule that contains carbon Exceptions: –Oxides of carbon (contain only C and O) –Carbonates (contains CO 3 -2 )

5. Organic vs. Inorganic Organic –NOT soluble in water –Low melting points –Low boiling points –Decomposes easily –Reacts with O 2 by combustion Inorganic –Soluble in water –High melting points –High boiling points –Only decomposes at high temperatures –Does not react with O 2

6. Synthetic Compounds Chemists can produce many organic compounds in the lab Ex: insulin, hormones, plastics, refridgerants (CFCs), drugs, etc –DDT – dangerous insecticides –Kevlar – polymer used in space suits, bulletproof vests