Which of the following is an organic molecule?
a. H₂O (water)
b. O₂ (oxygen)
c. C₁₈H₂₉SO₃
d. FeO (iron oxide)
e. F₂C=CF₂ (Teflon)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the definition of an organic molecule: Organic molecules primarily contain carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms, and may include other elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus.
2. Examine each option to determine if it fits the definition of an organic molecule.
3. Option a (H₂O) is water, which does not contain carbon, so it is not an organic molecule.
4. Option b (O₂) is molecular oxygen, which does not contain carbon, so it is not an organic molecule.
5. Option c (C₁₈H₂₉SO₃) contains carbon and hydrogen, fitting the definition of an organic molecule.

Key Concepts

Organic Molecules

Organic molecules are primarily composed of carbon atoms, often in combination with hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and other elements. They are the building blocks of life and include compounds such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. The presence of carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds is a key characteristic that distinguishes organic molecules from inorganic ones.

Inorganic Molecules

Inorganic molecules typically do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds and include a wide range of substances such as minerals, metals, and gases. Examples include water (H₂O), oxygen (O₂), and iron oxide (FeO). Understanding the distinction between organic and inorganic molecules is crucial for identifying the nature of a compound in biochemical contexts.

Chemical Structure and Composition

The chemical structure and composition of a molecule determine its classification as organic or inorganic. For instance, the presence of functional groups and the arrangement of atoms can indicate whether a molecule is organic. Analyzing the molecular formula, such as C₁₈H₂₉SO₃ for a compound, helps in identifying its organic nature due to the presence of carbon and hydrogen.