How is an organic compound defined?

An organic compound is defined primarily by its association with living organisms, as it typically contains carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen and other elements. This definition stems from the historical observation that organic compounds were produced by living systems, which is why they are considered directly related to biological life.

Organic compounds include a wide variety of substances such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, all of which play vital roles in biological processes. The presence of carbon is a hallmark of organic chemistry, as it allows for a diverse range of molecular structures and functions essential for life.

While some organic compounds can be synthesized in laboratories (which could lead to confusion with the idea of being universally synthetic), this does not alter their fundamental connection to life. Hence, the emphasis on their association with living things is crucial in defining what an organic compound is.