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Related Concept Videos

What is Organic Chemistry?02:17

What is Organic Chemistry?

Organic chemistry is the study of compounds of carbon called organic compounds. Organic compounds either originate from living organisms or are synthesized by chemists. A defining trait of these compounds is the presence of carbon as the principal element, which is bonded to other carbon atoms and other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. The existence of a wide array of organic molecules is a consequence of carbon atoms’ ability to form up to four strong bonds to other...
Organic Compounds03:02

Organic Compounds

All living things are formed mostly of carbon compounds called organic compounds. The category of organic compounds includes both natural and synthetic compounds that contain carbon. Although a single, precise definition has yet to be identified by the chemistry community, most agree that a defining trait of organic molecules is the presence of carbon as the principal element, bonded to hydrogen and other carbon atoms. However, some carbon-containing compounds such as carbonates, cyanides, and...
Aromatic Compounds: Overview01:25

Aromatic Compounds: Overview

In general, the term ‘aromatic’ indicates a pleasant smell or fragrance from fresh flowers, freshly prepared coffee, etc. In the early history of organic chemistry, many benzene derivatives were isolated from the pleasant odor oils of the plants. For example, vanillin was isolated from the oil of vanilla, methyl salicylate from the oil of wintergreen, and cinnamaldehyde from the oil of cinnamon. They all had a pleasant odor; hence the name aromatic was given.
In 1825, Faraday isolated benzene...
Classification of Elements and Compounds02:54

Classification of Elements and Compounds

Pure substances consist of only one type of matter. A pure substance can be an element or a compound. An element consists of only one type of atom, while a compound consists of two or more types of atoms held together by a chemical bond. Elements are classified as atomic or molecular based on the nature of their basic units.
Compounds are pure substances composed of two or more elements in fixed, definite proportions. Compounds are classified as ionic or molecular (covalent) based on the bonds...
Classification and Mechanical Properties of Synthetic Polymers01:28

Classification and Mechanical Properties of Synthetic Polymers

Synthetic polymers are classified as elastomers, fibers, or plastics based on their crystallinity. Crystallinity, the degree of long-range order in the solid state, influences the mechanical properties (stretching or contracting) of elastomers. Elastomers are flexible polymers that can expand or contract easily upon the application of an external force. They have numerous crosslinks that pull them back into their original shape when stress is removed. Silicones, for instance, are highly elastic...
Introduction to Functional Groups02:08

Introduction to Functional Groups


Functional groups are group of atoms with specific chemical properties that occur within organic molecules and sometimes denoted as “R”. Functional groups are found along the carbon backbone of macromolecules can form chains or rings of carbon atoms. Functional groups can “functionalize” a compound by enabling it to adopt different physical and chemical properties.
Types of common functional groups
The table below summarizes some of the major functional groups in organic chemistry. (The...

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Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Using Cyclic Voltammetry, UV-Vis-NIR, and EPR Spectroelectrochemistry to Analyze Organic Compounds
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Using Cyclic Voltammetry, UV-Vis-NIR, and EPR Spectroelectrochemistry to Analyze Organic Compounds

Published on: October 18, 2018

[Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC): definition, classification and properties].

A Cicolella1

  • 1Unité Evaluation des Risques Sanitaires Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques, INERIS, Verneuil en Halatte, France. andre.cicolella@ineris.fr

Revue Des Maladies Respiratoires
|May 2, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon-based chemicals volatile at room temperature. Understanding their diverse toxicity and role in forming environmental pollutants is crucial for health and environmental assessments.

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Last Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Using Cyclic Voltammetry, UV-Vis-NIR, and EPR Spectroelectrochemistry to Analyze Organic Compounds
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Using Cyclic Voltammetry, UV-Vis-NIR, and EPR Spectroelectrochemistry to Analyze Organic Compounds

Published on: October 18, 2018

Production and Measurement of Organic Particulate Matter in a Flow Tube Reactor
13:29

Production and Measurement of Organic Particulate Matter in a Flow Tube Reactor

Published on: December 15, 2018

High-Throughput Measurement and Classification of Organic P in Environmental Samples
08:58

High-Throughput Measurement and Classification of Organic P in Environmental Samples

Published on: June 8, 2011

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Toxicology

Context:

  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) encompass diverse carbon-based substances exhibiting volatility at ambient temperatures.
  • These compounds are classifiable into distinct chemical families, each with unique properties and varying toxicity levels.

Purpose:

  • To elucidate the classification and properties of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
  • To highlight the significance of considering individual and collective health effects of VOCs.
  • To underscore the role of VOCs in the formation of photo-oxidative pollutants.

Summary:

  • VOCs are a broad group of carbon compounds that easily evaporate.
  • Their classification into families reveals shared traits but significant differences in toxicity.
  • Assessing VOCs is vital due to their health impacts and contribution to environmental pollution.

Impact:

  • Informs public health strategies regarding indoor and outdoor air quality.
  • Provides a foundation for further research into specific VOC toxicities and environmental fates.
  • Contributes to regulatory frameworks aimed at mitigating VOC exposure and pollution.