Answer to Question #127065 in Organic Chemistry for Eman Jehangiri

Question

Why some compounds considered inorganic although they contain carbon?

Answer 1

The reason for this is mostly historic. Before 1828, when urea was first obtained artificially , it was believed that organic compounds can only be derived from living matter. However, carbonates, bicarbonates, CO, CO₂ , cyanides and some other carbon-containing compounds can be obtained from non-living matter, mostly minerals. Today we know that organic compounds can be easily produced artificially as well, but traditionally all carbon-containing compounds that are found in non-living things or can be obtained from them are considered inorganic.