Most organic compounds contain which atoms as their primary components?

• A. $N_2$itrogen and $O_2$xygen
• B. $S$ulfur and $P$hosphorus
• C. $\mathrm{Na}$ and $\mathrm{Cl}$ (Sodium and chlorine)
• D. $C$arbon and $H$ydrogen

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that organic compounds are primarily defined by the presence of carbon atoms bonded to other elements.
2. Recall that the most common atoms found in organic molecules are carbon (C) and hydrogen (H), which form the backbone of organic structures.
3. Recognize that while other atoms like nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), sulfur (S), and phosphorus (P) can be present, they are considered heteroatoms and not the primary components.
4. Note that elements like sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) are typically found in inorganic compounds and salts, not as primary components of organic molecules.
5. Conclude that the primary components of most organic compounds are carbon and hydrogen atoms.