Which of the following best defines $\mathrm{organic} \mathrm{chemistry}$?

• A. The study of chemical processes in living organisms only
• B. The study of the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and synthesis of compounds containing $\mathrm{carbon} \mathrm{atoms}$
• C. The study of $\mathrm{inorganic} \mathrm{compounds}$ such as $\mathrm{salts}$, $\mathrm{minerals}$, and $\mathrm{metals}$
• D. The study of all $\mathrm{elements}$ and their $\mathrm{compounds}$, including $\mathrm{metals}$ and $\mathrm{nonmetals}$

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that organic chemistry is a branch of chemistry focused on compounds primarily containing carbon atoms.
2. Recognize that organic chemistry involves studying the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and synthesis of these carbon-containing compounds.
3. Note that organic chemistry is not limited to chemical processes in living organisms; it also includes synthetic and industrial compounds.
4. Differentiate organic chemistry from inorganic chemistry, which deals with compounds like salts, minerals, and metals that generally do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds.
5. Conclude that the best definition of organic chemistry is the study of the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and synthesis of compounds containing carbon atoms.