Difference between organic and inorganic

Difference between organic and inorganic

In chemistry, the classification of substances into organic and inorganic has always been a topic of great interest for scientists and students of this branch of science. Next, the main characteristics that differentiate these two large categories will be explained.

organic substances

The organic substances They are defined as those that contain carbon in their molecule structure. These substances are commonly of biological origin and are found in nature forming part of living beings and compounds derived from them.

• Proteins
• Carbohydrates
• Lipids
• Nucleic acids

Inorganic substances

On the other hand, the inorganic substances They are those that do not contain carbon in their structure. These substances are found in nature in inorganic form, that is, they are not derived from living beings.

• Water (H₂O)
• Mineral salts
• Noble gases (He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, Rn)
• Oxygen (O₂)

Differentiating characteristics

Below are some characteristics that differentiate organic substances from inorganic ones:

• Most organic substances are molecular compounds, while inorganic substances are usually ionic substances.
• Organic substances are usually more combustible than inorganic substances, due to the presence of CH in their molecular structure.
• Organic substances usually have lower melting and boiling points than inorganic substances.
• Organic substances are usually soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, while inorganic substances are soluble in water or in less polar solvents such as carbon tetrachloride.

In conclusion, organic and inorganic substances are two large categories that differentiate compounds that contain carbon. Although there are some exceptions, these categories serve as a useful guide to understanding the main characteristics of chemicals, and their classification is essential in areas such as biology, pharmacology, and industrial chemistry.