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Definition

In the context of chemistry and materials, organic refers to a materials based on carbon (a chemical element abbreviated as C). Additional elements that are commonly found in organic materials are hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S).

An unrelated and confusing definition of organic is used most often in reference to "natural" foods. For example, a simple definition of "organic produce" is fruits or vegetables that have been raised without the use of pesticides or herbicides. Of course, many pesticides and herbicides are actually themselves organic (using either or both definitions of "organic").

Materials that are not organic are usually referred to as inorganic.

Additional Info

Organic chemicals are not necessarily harmful or toxic. Much or the human body consists of organic chemicals such as proteins, DNA, lipids and cell membranes. The food you eat, trees, grass, and every other living object contains organic compounds. The term "carbon-based life forms" is redundant (at least on this planet).

However, this does not necessarily mean all organic chemicals are good for you. For example, hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is a deadly toxin, benzene (C₆H₆) is a carcinogen and thalidomide is a potent teratogen (but also a useful medicine!).

When it comes to considering the toxicity of any material, remember that the dose makes the poison. Some chemicals (organic or not) present no or minimal hazard even at very high concentrations, while others can be deadly in minute amounts.

As to the idea that "natural" products are better for you and the environment - while this is sometimes true, remember that sewage is also natural...

SDS Relevance

Don't simply classify compounds as "organic" when identifying hazards. There are broad classes of organic compounds (such as hydrocarbons etc.) that you may be able to do this with, but remember that there are over 100,000,000 known organic compounds. These have a wide variety of health effects and hazards, many of which are not fully known. If they are, you will find them in Section 11 (toxicological information) of the SDS.

Some organic compounds are highly reactive and are incompatible with other chemicals such as strong oxidizing agents. You will find this kind of information on Section 10 (stability and reactivity) of the SDS.

Therefore, always read the Safety Data Sheet before working with a new material to orient yourself to the hazards specific to the chemicals with which you are working. If the hazard is not known, utilize what is termed "universal precautions"; i.e. treat the material as if it were extremely hazardous or highly toxic.

Further Reading

• Information on Organic Solvents and their hazards, courtesy of the CDC's NIOSH.
• Organic Courses and Materials, part of ChemConnection's educational chemistry site.
• Organic Chemistry Resources Worldwide by Dr. Koen Van Aken (temporarily offline, Jan 2023?)
• Links to Organic Chemistry Sources at the American Chemical Society's Division of Organic Chemistry.
• IUPAC nomenclature rules for organic molecules, courtesy of ACD Laboratories.
• Our very own Organometallic Hypertextbook, an introduction to the chemistry of materials that are part organic and part inorganic.
• Study Organic Chemistry explains how to study and understand organic chemistry.

See also: cyanide, ether, halogen, hydrocarbon, nitrile, solvent, volatile organic compounds (VOC's).

Additional definitions from Google and OneLook.

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Disclaimer: The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate, however ILPI makes no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. ILPI strongly encourages the reader to consult the appropriate local, state and federal agencies concerning the matters discussed herein.