Organic chemistry

Organic chemistry, branch of chemistry comprising the study of hydrocarbons, or carbon compounds containing hydrogen. (Simple carbon compounds such as carbon dioxide are usually considered inorganic.) Because of carbon's ability to form linked chains of atoms of any length and complexity, there are far more organic compounds than inorganic. Organic compounds form the basic stuff of living tissue. Organic chemistry is also of fundamental importance in the textile, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical industries.

See also: Chemistry.