Organic chemistry is the chemistry of the compounds of CARBON, which, in combination with many other elements (in particular H, N, O, S, P and the halogens) form over 5 000 000 compounds.

Many of these compounds are of immense importance, as the list below shows:

Apart from water, living things are largely made up of organic compounds, notably proteins, fats, carbohydrates and nucleic acids. The study of these compounds, and the role they play in all life processes, is a special area of study called BIOCHEMISTRY.

Historical note: Wohler and the synthesis of urea.

Source from http://www.physchem.co.za