Sources of organic compounds-coal, plants and animals, natural gas

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In this article, the author has explained Sources of organic compounds such as coal, plants, animals, and petroleum products.

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Sources of organic compounds

Plants, animals, microorganisms, coal, petroleum, and natural gas are all sources of organic compounds.

Related: Fundamental principles of organic chemistry

Sources of organic compounds

Here are some most common sources of organic compounds:

 1: Plants and animals

Plants and animals are the major sources of organic compounds. They provide us with a wide range of essential molecules, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, vitamins, hormones, and enzymes.

Here are some examples of organic compounds that can be obtained from plants and animals:

• Carbohydrates: glucose, fructose, sucrose, starch, cellulose
• Proteins: amino acids, enzymes, hormones, antibodies
• Lipids: fatty acids, triglycerides, cholesterol, phospholipids
• Nucleic acids: DNA, RNA
• Vitamins: A, B, C, D, E, K
• Hormones: testosterone, estrogen, insulin, cortisol
• Enzymes: amylase, lipase, protease

2: Coal

Coal is a complex mixture of organic and inorganic compounds. The organic compounds in coal are inherited from the plants that lived and died in the swamps that eventually formed coal. These plants were rich in organic compounds such as cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and resins.

Coal is a valuable source of organic compounds for a number of reasons. First, it is a relatively abundant resource. Second, the organic compounds in coal are relatively diverse. Third, the organic compounds in coal can be converted into a wide range of useful products.

One of the most important organic compounds derived from coal is coal tar. Coal tar is a black, viscous liquid that is produced as a byproduct of the destructive distillation of coal.

Coal tar contains a wide range of organic compounds, including benzene, toluene, xylene, naphthalene, and anthracene. These compounds are used in the production of a wide variety of products, including plastics, solvents, dyes, and pharmaceuticals.

Another important organic compound derived from coal is coke. Coke is a solid residue that is produced from the destructive distillation of coal. Coke is primarily composed of carbon, but it also contains a small amount of hydrogen and other elements.

Coke is used in the production of iron and steel, as well as in a variety of other industrial processes.

In addition to coal tar and coke, a number of other organic compounds can be derived from coal, including:

• Ammonia
• Methanol
• Acetic acid
• Ethylene
• Propylene
• Butadiene
• Phenol
• Cresol
• Naphthalene
• Anthracene
• Pyrene

3: Natural gas

Natural gas is a valuable source of organic compounds, including methane, ethane, propane, butane, and heavier hydrocarbons. These compounds can be converted into a wide range of products, including plastics, solvents, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and fertilizers.

Natural gas is also a clean-burning fuel that can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is therefore an increasingly important source of energy in the world today.

Here are some specific examples of organic compounds that can be obtained from natural gas:

• Methane: methanol, acetic acid, formaldehyde, ethylene, propylene
• Ethane: ethylene, propylene, benzene, toluene, xylene
• Propane: propylene, benzene, toluene, xylene
• Butane: butadiene, benzene, toluene, xylene

4: Petroleum

Petroleum is a major source of organic compounds, including saturated hydrocarbons from C-1 to C-40, as well as small amounts of nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen compounds.

Petroleum is formed from the decay and decomposition of marine animals and plants. This biological matter is buried underground and subjected to high temperatures and pressures for millions of years. This process converts the biological matter into a complex mixture of organic compounds.

Petroleum is extracted from the ground and then refined to produce a variety of products, including gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, heating oil, and petrochemicals. Petrochemicals are organic compounds that are used to produce a wide range of products, including plastics, synthetic rubber, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals.

Here are some specific examples of organic compounds that can be obtained from petroleum:

• Hydrocarbons: methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane, hexane, octane, decane, etc.
• Aromatic compounds: benzene, toluene, xylene, naphthalene, anthracene, etc.
• Heteroatomic compounds: nitrogen compounds, sulfur compounds, oxygen compounds

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