Guides
Common Organic Compounds (Formulas and Uses)
Organic compounds are carbon-containing compounds (with a few exceptions like carbon oxides and carbonates). Below are the organic compounds most common in school and daily life, organized by class with their formulas and uses.
Common organic compounds
| Name | Formula | Class / use |
|---|---|---|
| Methane | CH₄ | alkane; main component of natural gas, fuel |
| Ethylene (ethene) | C₂H₄ | alkene; plastics feedstock, fruit ripening |
| Ethanol (alcohol) | C₂H₅OH | alcohol; drinks, disinfectant, fuel |
| Methanol | CH₃OH | alcohol; industrial solvent (toxic) |
| Acetic acid | CH₃COOH | carboxylic acid; main component of vinegar |
| Glucose | C₆H₁₂O₆ | sugar; energy source |
| Benzene | C₆H₆ | aromatic hydrocarbon; chemical feedstock |
A few common classes
- Hydrocarbons (only C and H): alkanes (CH₄), alkenes (C₂H₄), aromatics (C₆H₆).
- Alcohols: contain —OH, e.g. ethanol C₂H₅OH.
- Carboxylic acids: contain —COOH, e.g. acetic acid CH₃COOH.
- Sugars: e.g. glucose C₆H₁₂O₆, sucrose C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁.
Note
Organic compounds are hugely varied, but the rules for writing formulas still apply (see writing formulas). For inorganic acids and bases see common acids & bases, and more substances in the compound library.