Inorganic vs Organic Chemistry – Flashcards

Study of molecules that contain carbon compounds

Study of all compounds that do not contain carbon compounds

Chemical structure Chemical classification Scientific purpose

The main difference between organic and inorganic chemistry Organic compounds: - must contain a carbon atom in its structure (along with other elements) Inorganic compounds: - do not contain carbon atoms --> can sometimes make an appearance in inorganic compounds, known as organometallic compounds

Inorganic compounds that contain carbon Formed from the bonding of a carbon atom in an organic compound, to a metal in an inorganic compound

Organic compounds are classified by functional groups Inorganic compounds fall into the basic categories of: Acid Base Solid Metal

Certain groups of atoms (or bonds) within molecules that determine the characteristic reactions of those molecules. You can identify a functional group by pinpointing key atoms or molecules in a compound

Salt contains no carbon/hydrogen bonds, while sugar contains many - sugar = organic compound - salt = inorganic compound