Which of the following is an organic molecule? a. H 2 O (water) b. O 2 (oxygen) c. C 18 H 29 SO 3 d. FeO (iron oxide) e. F 2 C=CF 2 (Teflon)

Hi, welcome back. Our next question says which element must be found in a compound for it to be considered organic, a FEBHGCC or do so we have our choice of iron mercury, carbon or oxygen. Well, among these choices, the answer is choice C carbon, there must be carbon in a compound for it to be considered organic. There can be iron mercury or oxygen in an organic compound, but they're not essential. You must have carbon. However, note that it's not just the presence of carbon, but more specifically the presence of carbon atoms covalent bound to hydrogen atoms. So in that case, carbon dioxide, although it has carbon is not an organic molecule because there's no hydrogen in it. In general, mineral salts and gasses are inorganic. So again, when we look at our other answer, choices, just none of them are musts to be organic. So iron, mercury and oxygen, oxygen might stop you for a moment because oxygen is found in a lot of organic molecules. But again, it's not essential. It's the presence of carbon covalent bonded to hydrogen that makes an organic molecule. So among our choices here, choice C carbon is the answer. See you in the next video.

Ch. 2 - Chemical Principles

Tortora - Microbiology: An Introduction 14th Edition

Tortora14th EditionMicrobiology: An IntroductionISBN: 9780138200398Not the one you use?Change textbook

All textbooks

Tortora 14th Edition

Ch. 2 - Chemical Principles

Problem 6

Chapter 2, Problem 6

Which of the following is an organic molecule?
a. H₂O (water)
b. O₂ (oxygen)
c. C₁₈H₂₉SO₃
d. FeO (iron oxide)
e. F₂C=CF₂ (Teflon)

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the definition of an organic molecule: Organic molecules primarily contain carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms, often along with other elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus. The presence of carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds is a key characteristic.

Examine each option to identify the presence of carbon and hydrogen atoms: - a. H₂O (water) contains hydrogen and oxygen but no carbon. - b. O₂ (oxygen) contains only oxygen atoms. - c. C₁₈H₂₉SO₃ contains carbon, hydrogen, sulfur, and oxygen. - d. FeO (iron oxide) contains iron and oxygen, no carbon or hydrogen. - e. F₂C=CF₂ (Teflon) contains carbon and fluorine but no hydrogen.

Determine which molecules have carbon-hydrogen bonds: - Option c has both carbon and hydrogen atoms, indicating it is an organic molecule. - Option e has carbon but no hydrogen, so it is considered an organofluorine compound but not a typical organic molecule with C-H bonds.

Conclude that the molecule with carbon-hydrogen bonds (option c) fits the definition of an organic molecule.

Summarize that identifying organic molecules involves checking for carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms, which is the key criterion to distinguish organic from inorganic molecules.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.

Video duration:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Definition of Organic Molecules

Organic molecules primarily contain carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen, often along with oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, or other elements. They form the basis of life and include compounds like carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. The presence of carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds is a key indicator of organic molecules.

Inorganic Molecules

Inorganic molecules generally lack carbon-hydrogen bonds and include substances like water (H₂O), oxygen gas (O₂), and metal oxides (e.g., FeO). These molecules are often simpler and do not form the complex structures typical of organic compounds.

Chemical Formula Interpretation

Understanding chemical formulas helps identify molecular composition. For example, C₁₈H₂₉SO₃ contains carbon and hydrogen, indicating an organic molecule, while formulas like FeO or O₂ lack carbon-hydrogen bonds. Recognizing elements and their bonding patterns is essential for classifying molecules.

Recommended video:

Guided course