Which of the following compounds is considered organic?

• A. $H_{2}O$ (water)
• B. ${\mathrm{CH}}_4$ (methane)
• C. ${\mathrm{NaCl}}_{}$ (sodium chloride)
• D. ${\mathrm{CO}}_2$ (carbon dioxide)

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of an organic compound: Organic compounds primarily contain carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms, often along with other elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and halogens.
2. Examine each compound to identify the presence of carbon and hydrogen bonds:
3. - Water (H\_2O) contains hydrogen and oxygen but no carbon, so it is inorganic.
4. - Methane (CH\_4) contains carbon bonded to hydrogen atoms, fitting the definition of an organic compound.
5. - Sodium chloride (NaCl) is an ionic compound made of sodium and chlorine ions, with no carbon, so it is inorganic.
6. - Carbon dioxide (CO\_2) contains carbon but is bonded only to oxygen atoms, and is generally classified as inorganic.