Problem 9 - Chemistry: The Central Science

Question

Are carbon monoxide or ammonia considered organic molecules? Why or why not?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Neither carbon monoxide (CO) nor ammonia (NH3) are considered organic molecules because they do not meet the definition of an organic molecule, which requires the presence of carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms. Carbon monoxide does not have any hydrogen atoms, while ammonia does not have any carbon atoms.

Step 1: Definition of an organic molecule

An organic molecule is generally defined as a molecule containing carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms. This means a molecule has to satisfy this requirement to be considered organic.

Step 2: Analyzing carbon monoxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide is a molecule composed of one carbon atom and one oxygen atom. It does not contain any hydrogen atoms bonded to the carbon atom, and therefore does not satisfy the definition of an organic molecule.

Step 3: Analyzing ammonia (NH3)

Ammonia is a molecule composed of one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms. Although it contains hydrogen atoms, there are no carbon atoms present in the molecule. This means ammonia also does not satisfy the definition of an organic molecule.

Step 4: Conclusion

Neither carbon monoxide nor ammonia are considered organic molecules because they do not meet the required definition of having carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms.