* Organic chemistry is the study of carbon-containing compounds. Both CO₂ and CO contain carbon. So far so good!
* The defining characteristic of organic compounds is the presence of carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds. This is where CO₂ and CO fall short. They lack C-H bonds.
* CO₂ and CO are considered inorganic compounds. They belong to the realm of inorganic chemistry, which deals with compounds that don't have C-H bonds.
Think of it this way: Organic chemistry is about the vast diversity of molecules built around carbon's ability to form long chains and complex structures with hydrogen. CO₂ and CO are simpler molecules with carbon bonded to oxygen, not hydrogen.
