ORGANIC REACTION Meaning and
Definition
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An organic reaction refers to a process in which one or more organic compounds undergo a chemical transformation, resulting in the formation of new compounds. It involves the rearrangement of chemical bonds and the breaking and formation of covalent bonds. Organic reactions are fundamental to the field of organic chemistry as they allow the synthesis of new organic molecules and the understanding of the underlying principles of chemical reactivity.
Typically, organic reactions occur between organic molecules, which are composed primarily of carbon and hydrogen atoms, although other elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, and halogens can also be involved. These reactions can be catalyzed by various agents, such as metals, acids, bases, or enzymes. The reaction conditions, including temperature, pressure, and solvent used, may greatly influence the rate and selectivity of the reaction.
Organic reactions can be classified into several categories based on the type of transformation involved. These categories include substitution reactions, addition reactions, elimination reactions, oxidation-reduction reactions, and rearrangement reactions, among others. Each of these reaction types has its own unique set of mechanisms and governing principles.
Overall, organic reactions are essential tools for the synthesis of complex organic compounds, allowing scientists to produce a vast array of molecules with desired properties. They also play a crucial role in drug discovery, material science, and the development of new technologies, making them integral to advancements in various fields of science and industry.
Etymology of ORGANIC REACTION
The word "organic" in the context of chemistry refers to compounds that contain carbon atoms. The etymology of "organic" can be traced back to the Greek word "organikos", meaning "relating to an organ or instrument". This term was used in the late 17th century to describe substances derived from living matter, such as plants and animals.
The term "organic reaction" refers to a chemical reaction involving organic compounds. It is derived from the usage of "organic" to describe carbon-based compounds, and "reaction" refers to a process in which substances interact to form new substances.
Overall, the term "organic reaction" emphasizes the involvement of carbon-containing compounds in chemical reactions.
