Chapter 23.1, Problem 2R

To determine

To Classify: The given compounds as organic or inorganic.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction: Hydrocarbons and their derivatives are essentially categorized as organic compounds. Any other compound is classified as inorganic.

Consider the given compounds:

  ${\text{C}}_4{\text{H}}_{10}$ , ${\text{H}}_2\text{O}$ , $\text{FeO}$ , ${\text{CH}}_3\text{COOH}$ , and $\text{CaS}$ .

By definition, all organic compounds contain covalently bonded carbon as their essential constituent and are invariably associated with hydrogen.

Of the given compounds, only ${\text{C}}_4{\text{H}}_{10}$ and ${\text{CH}}_3\text{COOH}$ contain both carbon and hydrogen; hence classified as organic compounds.

The compounds, which are not hydrocarbons, are called inorganic compounds.

Therefore, ${\text{H}}_2\text{O}$ , $\text{FeO}$ , and $\text{CaS}$ are inorganic compounds.

Conclusion:

  ${\text{C}}_4{\text{H}}_{10}$ and ${\text{CH}}_3\text{COOH}$ are organic compounds and the rest, that is, ${\text{H}}_2\text{O}$ , $\text{FeO}$ , and $\text{CaS}$ are inorganic compounds.