Organic Chemistry

Organic chemistry is a discipline within chemistry involving the scientific study of the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and preparation (by synthesis or by other means) of carbon-based compounds, hydrocarbons, and their derivatives. These compounds may contain any number of other elements, including hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, the halogens as well as phosphorus, silicon and sulfur.

Organic compounds are structurally diverse. The range of application of organic compounds is enormous. They form the basis of, or are important constituents of many products (plastics, drugs, petrochemicals, food, explosives, paints, to name but a few) and, with very few exceptions, they form the basis of all earthly life processes.

Organic chemistry evolved in waves of innovation. These innovations are motivated by practical considerations as well as theoretical innovations. However, like all areas of science, chemistry is underpinned financially by the very large applications in biochemistry, polymer science, pharmaceutical chemistry, and agrochemicals.