What do organic compounds contain?

Organic compounds are primarily characterized by the presence of carbon atoms. The defining feature of organic chemistry is that it studies compounds that contain carbon, typically bonded to hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and other elements. This carbon-centric structure leads to a vast variety of complex molecules that are essential for life, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

While organic compounds can also contain other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, or nitrogen, it is the presence of carbon that is fundamental to categorizing a compound as organic. Thus, the correct focus on carbon radically distinguishes organic compounds from inorganic compounds, which may lack carbon or are based on different structural possibilities. Understanding this relationship is key in the study of chemistry, especially in the context of drinking water and environmental factors where organic compounds can impact water quality and safety.