Identifying Organic Compounds

Organic compounds are molecules based on linked carbon atoms, covalently bonded. Most often, the carbon atoms are surrounded by hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur atoms.

All living things are made up of these organic compounds arranged in different ways. Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are all different types of organic compounds. There are other organic compounds that do not seem as organic, however. Gasoline, moth balls, alcohol, and fingernail polish remover are all basic organic compounds.

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