Organic chemistry is the study of the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and preparation of carbon-containing compounds, which include not only hydrocarbons but also compounds with any number of other elements such as nitrogen, oxygen, halogens, phosphorus, silicon, and sulfur.
This branch of chemistry was originally limited to compounds produced by living organisms but has been broadened to include human-made substances such as plastics. The range of application of organic compounds is enormous and includes pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, food, explosives, paints, and cosmetics.
