What is organic synthesis?
Q: What is organic synthesis?
A: Organic synthesis is a specific branch within chemical synthesis that creates organic compounds using organic reactions.
Q: Why is the synthesis of organic compounds important in organic chemistry?
A: Organic molecules can be more complex than inorganic compounds, making the synthesis of organic compounds one of the most important parts of organic chemistry.
Q: What are the two main research areas within the field of organic synthesis?
A: The two main research areas within the field of organic synthesis are total synthesis and methodology.
Q: What is total synthesis?
A: Total synthesis involves the complete and total synthesis of an organic molecule from simpler starting materials, allowing for a better understanding of the molecule's properties and function.
Q: What is methodology in organic synthesis?
A: Methodology in organic synthesis refers to the development of new chemical transformations, reactions, and techniques that can be used to create and modify organic compounds in a more efficient, selective or environmentally friendly way.
Q: What is the difference between organic and inorganic compounds?
A: Organic compounds are built around a carbon atom and often contain hydrogen atoms, and may include a range of other elements, including nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus or sulfur atoms. Inorganic compounds do not contain carbon atoms and are typically simpler in nature.
Q: Why might organic molecules have a higher level of complexity than inorganic molecules?
A: Organic molecules are often associated with living organisms and life processes, whereas inorganic molecules are more commonly found in non-living matter such as rocks, minerals, or gases. The complexity of organic molecules can be attributed to the variety of different functional groups or molecular structures that can be built with carbon-based molecules, something which inorganic molecules simply do not have access to.
