what is the main point which determines a compound being organic? as its said compounds containing carbon & hydrogen are organic But then , Why CO2 is inorganic???

Hi Ranjita,

That is because for a compound to be organic, it should contain atoms of both Carbon and Hydrogen (ie hydrocarbons).

As CO2 does not have H-atoms it is inorganic compound.

Regards,

Ashwin (IIT Madras).

Approved

Hi

Not all carbon-bearing compounds are considered organic, although the distinction is merely a holdover from history. Originally, organic meant any compound produced by a living organism. Therefore, carbonates and their ilk werent considered organic. When organic was redefined to refer to compounds made of carbon, these molecules still werent included. I remember it this way...an organic molecule has carbon atoms covalently bound to hydrogen and/or to other carbon atoms. Therefore, CO2 isnt organic, but CH4 is.

I hope that helps!

Approved