Organic compounds are defined as all covalently bonded compounds containing carbon, except for:
* Carbonates: These are salts containing the carbonate ion (CO₃²⁻) and are considered inorganic. Examples include calcium carbonate (CaCO₃).
* Oxides of carbon: These are compounds containing carbon and oxygen, like carbon dioxide (CO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO). They are typically considered inorganic due to their simple structure and lack of complex carbon bonding.
* Carbides: These are compounds of carbon with metals or metalloids. Examples include calcium carbide (CaC₂) and silicon carbide (SiC).
* Cyanides: These contain the cyanide ion (CN⁻) and are also classified as inorganic.
The key takeaway: While carbon is the defining element of organic compounds, a few exceptions exist due to their structure and bonding characteristics.
