Chapter 21, Problem 38A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for the development of the field of organic chemistry by Wohler’s discovery should be explained.

Concept introduction:

A class of chemical compounds where one or more carbon atoms are bonded with other or to atoms of other elements, most commonly $\text{H, O, or N}$ via covalent bond is said to be organic compound.

Explanation of Solution

Till 1807, the chemists believed that one material cannot be made from the other that is the synthesis of organic compounds is impossible and only living organism can produce them. In 1828, Friedrich Wohler synthesize urea (compound found in animal urine) from ammonium cyanate, a mineral as:

${\text{H}}_{\text{4}}\text{NO-C}\equiv \text{N}\stackrel{\Delta }{\to }{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{NCONH}}_{\text{2}}$

He was the first scientist to produce synthetic organic compound in a laboratory. Thus, this synthesis motivates other chemists to explore the synthesis of organic compounds. Hence, organic compounds could be synthesized and studied in laboratory.