Since it took its first steps in the 19th century, Organic Chemistry has not stopped evolving. To get an idea, follow the increase in the number of known organic compounds.
- In 1880, around 12,000 compounds were known;
- Until 1910, the number was 150,000;
- As early as 1940, the number of known compounds jumped to 500,000;
- Currently, it is estimated a number above 16,000,000.
Some of these are found naturally and some are produced synthetically, but why this variety of organic compounds? The precepts established by Friedrich August Kekulé (1829-1896) made all the difference. This scientist began his research taking carbon as the center of attention and proposed in 1858 a concept that we still use today:
Organic Chemistry is the part of Chemistry that studies carbon compounds.
Since then it has been established that Organic Chemistry is the chemistry of carbon compounds, and as this element is tetravalent, everything can be explained. Carbon, with its ability to form four bonds, is responsible for a vast amount of compounds. It binds to different elements and gives rise to long chains, and, according to the molecular rearrangement, they take on totally different properties from each other.
Laboratory synthesis is capable of modifying the structure of a carbon chain and giving it a new shape with properties distinct from the original molecule, this product is defined as an organic compound synthetic. The process is very useful in the manufacture of medicines by the pharmaceutical industries, in obtaining plastics (polymers), textile fibers, dyes, insecticides, etc.
Natural organic compounds have as their main source oil, mineral coal, natural gas, among others. But as we are talking about 21st century organic chemistry, it is important to emphasize that today it is possible to synthesize any chemical substance, thanks to the modernization of laboratory techniques.
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By Líria Alves
Graduated in Chemistry
Brazil School Team
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Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SOUZA, Líria Alves de. "Organic Chemistry of the 21st Century"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/quimica/quimica-organica-seculo-xxi.htm. Accessed on June 28, 2021.
