Question

Organic compounds do NOT contain which of the following?
carbon
hydrogen
oxygen
plastic

Answer 1

In the 19th century is was assumed that organic compounds could only be produced by plants and animals. These compounds all had carbon and hydrogen in common. Some organic compounds also include O, N, the halogens, S and a few other elements.

Now we know that organic compounds can be synthesized in the laboratory. Simple compounds of carbon and hydrogen include the alkanes and alkenes, for instance, as well as aromatics like benzene. But oxygen is a common element in organic compounds like alcohols, aldehydes, ketones and ethers.

So the bottom line is that all organic compounds contain C and H and some contain O as well, but O is not required to be an organic compound.

Answer 2

So that leaves us with Plastic being our answer.

Answer 3

thanks so much!!