7 Organic chemistry

• The chemistry of carbon compounds is so important that it forms a separate branch of chemistry
• A great variety of carbon compounds is possible because carbon atoms can form chains and rings linked by C-C bonds
• Organic chemistry


  The branch of chemistry that deals with the chemistry of carbon compounds
• The main sources of organic compounds are living, or once-living materials from plants and animals
• Fossil fuels are a major source of feedstock for the petrochemical industry
• Chemists modify organic molecules


  To make new and useful materials such as polymers, pharmaceuticals, perfumes and flavourings, dyes and detergents