Organic Chemistry

Organic chemistry is the study of molecules that contain covalently bonded carbon atoms. Carbon is a very useful element in nature because it can form four covalent bonds (group 4 element). This capacity to bond to four other atoms or ‘groups’ gives rise to many different combinations and possible structures involving carbon. As a result, there are millions of organic molecules. Some are naturally occurring (for example sugars, DNA and alcohols) and some are synthesised (made) by chemists.