Which of these is an organic compound?

Question

Which of these is an organic compound??  
A. HCl  
B. NH₃  
C. CO₂  
D. CH₄

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: (D)CH₄. 
Rationale: The organic compound among the choices is methane (CH₄).Organic compounds are generally defined as compounds that contain carbon–hydrogen (C–H) bonds. While not all carbon-containing substances are organic, the presence of C–H bonding is a key criterion used in basic chemistry to classify a compound as organic. Methane is the simplest hydrocarbon and serves as the foundational structure for all organic chemistry.A. HClHydrochloric acid consists of hydrogen and chlorine only and contains no carbon atoms. Because organic compounds must contain carbon—specifically carbon bonded to hydrogen—this substance is classified as inorganic. It is best known as a strong acid rather than an organic compound.B. NH₃Ammonia is composed of nitrogen and hydrogen and does not contain carbon. Since carbon is absent altogether, ammonia cannot be considered organic. It is classified as an inorganic compound commonly involved in acid–base chemistry and biological nitrogen metabolism.C. CO₂Carbon dioxide does contain carbon; however, it lacks any carbon–hydrogen or carbon–carbon bonds. It is classified as an inorganic oxide of carbon and behaves very differently from organic compounds. Substances such as CO₂, carbonates, and bicarbonates are standard exceptions that contain carbon but are still considered inorganic.D. CH₄Methane is composed of one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms, forming clear C–H bonds. This structure makes methane the simplest hydrocarbon and a classic example of an organic compound. It is the first member of the alkane family and forms the basis for more complex organic molecules.ConclusionOrganic compounds are identified by the presence of carbon–hydrogen bonds. Among the options given, methane uniquely meets this criterion, while the others are classified as inorganic due to the absence of C–H bonding or carbon altogether.

Which of these is an organic compound?

A
HCl

B
NH₃

C
CO₂

D
CH₄

The organic compound among the choices is methane (CH₄).

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Related Questions

Which of these is an organic compound?

A HCl B NH₃ C CO₂ D CH₄

The organic compound among the choices is methane (CH₄).

Topic Flashcards

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Related Questions

A
HCl

B
NH₃

C
CO₂

D
CH₄