Classify each compound as organic or inorganic: a. CaCO3 b. C4H8 c. C4H6O6 d. LiF

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Identify the definition of organic and inorganic compounds. Organic compounds primarily contain carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms, often with other elements like oxygen, nitrogen, etc. Inorganic compounds typically do not have carbon-hydrogen bonds.

Examine compound a: \( \text{CaCO}_3 \). This compound contains calcium, carbon, and oxygen. It is a salt and does not have carbon-hydrogen bonds, classifying it as inorganic.

Examine compound b: \( \text{C}_4\text{H}_8 \). This compound consists solely of carbon and hydrogen, which are typical of organic compounds. Therefore, it is classified as organic.

Examine compound c: \( \text{C}_4\text{H}_6\text{O}_6 \). This compound contains carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The presence of carbon and hydrogen together suggests it is an organic compound.

Examine compound d: \( \text{LiF} \). This compound consists of lithium and fluorine, with no carbon present. It is classified as inorganic.

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Organic Compounds

Organic compounds are primarily composed of carbon atoms, often in combination with hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and other elements. They typically contain carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds and are associated with living organisms. Examples include hydrocarbons and functional groups like alcohols and acids.

Inorganic Compounds

Inorganic compounds generally do not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds and include a wide range of substances such as minerals, metals, and salts. They can be composed of metals, nonmetals, and metalloids, and often have ionic or covalent bonds. Examples include sodium chloride (NaCl) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3).

Classification Criteria

The classification of compounds as organic or inorganic is based on their molecular structure and composition. Organic compounds must contain carbon and typically hydrogen, while inorganic compounds may contain carbon but lack C-H bonds. This distinction is crucial for understanding chemical behavior and reactivity.

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