Comparison Table: Organic vs Inorganic Compounds with Examples
Difference Between Organic and Inorganic Compounds is a basic but crucial topic in chemistry that helps students understand how chemical substances are classified and why this distinction matters in biology, daily life, and competitive exams.
What is Difference Between Organic and Inorganic Compounds in Chemistry?
The difference between organic and inorganic compounds is based on the presence (or absence) of carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds. Organic compounds contain carbon atoms (usually bonded to hydrogen), while inorganic compounds often lack these particular bonds. This distinction appears in chapters related to organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and classification of compounds, making it fundamental for understanding life sciences and industrial chemistry.
Molecular Formula and Composition
Organic compounds have molecular formulas that typically contain carbon (C) and hydrogen (H), and may also contain oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), sulfur (S), or phosphorus (P). Examples include C2H6 (ethane) and C6H12O6 (glucose). Inorganic compounds can have a wide range of formulas, and often do not contain C-H bonds—examples are NaCl (sodium chloride) and H2O (water). Organic compounds form the basis of living organisms, while inorganic compounds are generally found in non-living systems.
Preparation and Synthesis Methods
Most organic compounds are synthesized using reactions between hydrocarbons or their derivatives. These can be produced naturally (biological synthesis in plants and animals), or artificially in the lab (for example, urea synthesis by Friedrich Wöhler). Inorganic compounds are usually formed by ionic or covalent bonding between elements or simple molecules, using methods like precipitation, neutralization, direct combination, or electrolysis.
Physical Properties of Difference Between Organic and Inorganic Compounds
Organic compounds tend to have low melting and boiling points, are volatile, non-conductive in water, and are often soluble in organic solvents. In contrast, inorganic compounds usually have higher melting and boiling points, are non-volatile, often conductive when dissolved in water, and are generally insoluble in organic solvents but soluble in water. For more details, visit properties of organic compounds.
Key Differences Between Organic and Inorganic Compounds
Below is a table showing important differences between organic and inorganic compounds:
| Basis | Organic Compounds | Inorganic Compounds |
|---|---|---|
| Main Elements | Always contain carbon (C), usually bonded with hydrogen (H) | May not contain carbon; rarely have C-H bonds |
| Source | Living organisms (plants, animals); synthesized in labs | Minerals, earth crust, non-living sources |
| Bond Nature | Mostly covalent bonds | Ionic, covalent, or metallic bonds |
| Melting/Boiling Point | Generally low | Generally high |
| Electrical Conductivity | Poor conductors | Good conductors (ionic compounds in solution) |
| Solubility in Water | Usually insoluble | Mostly soluble |
| Solubility in Organic Solvents | Soluble | Usually insoluble |
| Combustion | Combustible | Non-combustible |
| Forms Isomers | Yes | Rarely |
| Examples | Glucose, methane, proteins, urea, benzene | NaCl, H2O, CaCO3, CO2, KNO3 |
Step-by-Step Reaction Example
1. Organic: Methane combustionCH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O
(Methane—organic—burns in oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water.)
2. Inorganic: Neutralization
HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H2O
(Hydrochloric acid reacts with sodium hydroxide to give salt and water—purely inorganic reaction.)
Frequent Related Errors
- Confusing CO2 and other carbon oxides as organic.
- Believing all carbon-containing compounds are organic (exceptions: carbonates, cyanides, CO, CO2).
- Mixing up properties like solubility and combustibility for exam answers.
Uses of Difference Between Organic and Inorganic Compounds in Real Life
Organic compounds like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are building blocks of food, medicines, and textiles. Inorganic compounds such as salts, acids, and minerals are essential in manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and biomedical fields. Understanding the difference between organic and inorganic compounds helps in classifying, analyzing, and using chemicals safely.
Relevance in Competitive Exams
JEE, NEET, and board exams frequently ask about the difference between organic and inorganic compounds in MCQ, reasoning, and tabular comparison formats. Knowing specific examples, exceptions (like urea, CO2, Na2CO3), and identifying compounds in daily life is vital for quick scoring. For advanced study, refer to classification of elements.
Relation with Other Chemistry Concepts
The difference between organic and inorganic compounds relates directly to carbon chemistry, periodic properties, and the versatile nature of carbon. It also supports students in understanding biomolecules, reaction mechanisms, and analytical chemistry.
Lab or Experimental Tips
Remember: “Organic means C-H bond is present, often has a distinct smell and burns on heating. Inorganic means no C-H bond, may fizz or dissolve in water.” Vedantu educators use simple solubility and combustion tests in labs to help students easily identify categories.
Try This Yourself
- Write the IUPAC name of CH4 and NaCl and state which is organic or inorganic.
- Classify urea and calcium carbonate as organic or inorganic, stating one reason.
- List two examples from your kitchen for each class and explain why they fit.
Final Wrap-Up
We explored the difference between organic and inorganic compounds—their definitions, key properties, real-life examples, and exam significance. For more detailed notes and doubt-solving, attend live sessions or explore study materials on Vedantu.
Related Topics for Further Study:
Organic Compounds – Structural Representation |
Inorganic Chemistry |
Classification of Organic Compounds |
Chemical Compounds
FAQs on Difference Between Organic and Inorganic Compounds Explained
1. What is the main difference between organic and inorganic compounds?
The primary difference lies in the presence or absence of a carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bond. Organic compounds always contain at least one C-H bond, forming the backbone of their structure. Inorganic compounds, generally, lack this C-H bond, although there are some exceptions.
2. Give 5 examples each of organic and inorganic compounds.
Organic Compounds: Methane (CH4), Ethanol (C2H5OH), Glucose (C6H12O6), Benzene (C6H6), Urea [(NH2)2CO].
Inorganic Compounds: Water (H2O), Sodium chloride (NaCl), Carbon dioxide (CO2), Iron oxide (Fe2O3), Sulfuric acid (H2SO4).
3. Is H2O considered organic or inorganic?
Water (H2O) is considered an inorganic compound because it lacks a carbon-hydrogen bond, the defining characteristic of organic compounds.
4. Are all carbon-containing compounds organic?
No. While most organic compounds contain carbon, not all carbon-containing compounds are organic. Several exceptions exist, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), carbonates, and cyanides, which are classified as inorganic.
5. Why are carbonates and carbides classified as inorganic?
Carbonates and carbides are considered inorganic because, despite containing carbon, they lack the crucial carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bond that defines organic compounds. Their chemical properties and bonding are also more akin to inorganic compounds.
6. What are some common properties that distinguish organic and inorganic compounds?
Organic compounds generally have lower melting and boiling points, are often less soluble in water but more soluble in organic solvents, and are typically poor conductors of electricity. Inorganic compounds usually display higher melting and boiling points, better water solubility, and often conduct electricity when dissolved in water.
7. What is catenation and how does it relate to the abundance of organic compounds?
Catenation is the ability of an atom to form bonds with other atoms of the same element. Carbon exhibits exceptional catenation, forming long chains and rings, leading to the vast diversity of organic compounds.
8. Explain the concept of isomerism in organic chemistry.
Isomerism refers to the existence of molecules with the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements. This phenomenon contributes significantly to the vast number of organic compounds.
9. What is the significance of organic compounds in biological systems?
Organic compounds form the basis of all living organisms. Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids are all organic molecules essential for life processes.
10. How are organic compounds used in industry?
Organic compounds are vital in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, plastics, textiles, and fuels. They are used to create a vast array of products.
11. Can a compound be both organic and inorganic?
While the classification is generally clear-cut, some organometallic compounds exhibit characteristics of both organic and inorganic compounds. These often contain both carbon-hydrogen bonds and metal atoms.
12. What are some examples of exceptions to the general rule of organic compounds containing carbon?
While rare, some exceptions exist. Certain carbon-containing compounds like carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbonates are considered inorganic due to the absence of C-H bonds and their properties aligning more with inorganic compounds.
