Q. Show the basic Characteristics of Organic Compounds?

Ans.

Almost all organic compounds contain the elements of hydrogen and carbon. These compounds often contain oxygen as well. Some organic compounds also contain nitrogen, halogens, and/or sulfur.

Most organic compounds are molecular compounds. Simple ones are gases, volatile liquids, or low melting point solids. Others are very large molecules which are usually solids.

Reactions of organic compounds are usually slow in comparison with many inorganic reactions.

Organic compounds often burn in oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. This type of reaction is called a combustion reaction. For example, the combustion of methane (CH₄) is written as:

CH₄ + O₂(g) --> CO₂(g) + H₂O