Examples of Organic Chemistry in Everyday Life

Examples of Organic Chemistry in Everyday Life Organic chemistry is the study of carbon compounds, which extends to understanding chemical reactions in living organisms and products derived from them. There are numerous examples of organic chemistry in everyday life. Organic Chemistry Is All Around Us Polymers consist of long chains and branches of molecules. Common polymers you encounter every day are organic molecules. Examples include nylon, acrylic, PVC, polycarbonate, cellulose, and polyethylene.Petrochemicals are chemicals derived from crude oil or petroleum. Fractional distillation separates the raw material into organic compounds according to their different boiling points. You encounter products made from petrochemicals every day. Examples include gasoline, plastics, detergents, dyes, food additives, natural gas, and medicines.Although both are used for cleaning, soap and detergent are two different examples of organic chemistry. Soap is made by the saponification reaction, which reacts a hydroxide with an organic molecule (e.g., an animal fat) to produce glycerol and crude soap. While soap is an emulsifier, detergents tackle oily, greasy (organic) soiling mainly because they are surfactants.  Whether a perfume fragrance comes from a flower or a lab, the molecules you s mell and enjoy are an example of organic chemistry. The cosmetics industry is a lucrative sector of organic chemistry. Chemists examine changes in the skin in response to metabolic and environmental factors, formulate products to address skin problems and enhance beauty, and analyze how cosmetics interact with the skin and other products. Examples of Products With Common Organic Chemicals ShampooGasolinePerfumeLotionDrugsFood and food additivesPlasticsPaperInsect repellentSynthetic fabrics (nylon, polyester, rayon)PaintMoth balls (naphthalene)EnzymesNail polish removerWoodCoalNatural gasSolventsFertilizersVitaminsDyesSoapCandlesAsphalt As you can see, most  products you use involve organic chemistry. Your computer, furniture, home, vehicle, food, and body contain organic compounds. Every living thing you encounter is organic. Inorganic items, such as rocks, air, metals, and water, often contain organic matter, too.