The term ‘organic compound’ is generally used to denote a chemical compound that contains carbon atoms or carbon-hydrogen bonds. Due to the unique ability of carbon to form long chains with other carbon atoms (a property of carbon called catenation), there are millions of organic compounds that can be found naturally or created synthetically in the laboratory. The branch of chemistry known as organic chemistry deals with the study of the properties, synthesis, and reactions of these organic compounds.
In order to name organic compounds, the IUPAC guidelines for their nomenclature must be followed. The IUPAC nomenclature of organic chemistry is done by following a set of guidelines recommended by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (often abbreviated to IUPAC). A few commercially important organic compounds are detailed in this article along with their applications.
Oxalic Acid
Oxalic acid is an organic chemical compound with the chemical formula C2H2O4. Under standard conditions for temperature and pressure, this compound is known to exist as a white crystalline solid. Furthermore, oxalic acid is known to form a colourless solution when its solid form is dissolved in water. This compound is believed by many to be the simplest dicarboxylic acid.
- Around 25 per cent of the oxalic acid produced globally is used in dyeing processes as a mordant. It is also used in bleaching applications, especially for pulpwood. It is also used in baking powder and as the third reagent in instruments for the study of silica.
- The key applications of oxalic acid include cleaning or bleaching, especially for rust removal (iron complexing agent). Its usefulness in rust removal agents is due to its formation of ferric iron, ferrioxalate ion, which is a stable, water-soluble salt.
- A significant reagent in lanthanide chemistry is oxalic acid. In a densely crystalline, easily filtered form, hydrated lanthanide oxalates easily form in very strongly acidic solutions, largely free of non-lanthanide element contamination. Oxides are given by the thermal decomposition of these oxalates, which is the most widely marketed type of these elements.
- Oxalic acid is used as a miticide against the parasitic varroa mite by certain beekeepers. It is not uncommon for oxalic acid to be employed in order to clean rocks.
Glycerol
Glycerol, also known as glycerin or glycerine, is an organic chemical compound whose chemical formula is given by C3H8O3. Under standard conditions for temperature and pressure, this compound is known to exist as a colourless and odourless liquid. It can also be noted that glycerin is a highly viscous liquid under standard conditions. This compound is also known to have a sweet taste. Glycerin is known to be non-toxic in nature. Some important glycerin uses are listed below.
- It is used as a humectant in the food industry.
- The food industry also employs glycerin as a solvent. Furthermore, this compound also finds use as a sweetener.
- Owing to its mild antimicrobial and antiviral properties, it can be used in the treatment of certain kinds of wounds.
