What are carbonates and bicarbonates and why aren't they studied in organic chemistry?

Question

Olivia Anton · Accepted Answer

Strictly speaking, “organic” chemistry is about hydrocarbons – combinations of carbon and hydrogen, and all the rest. But most carbon-only compounds are studied as inorganic.

Not to worry, there are plenty of opportunities to study them if you enjoy it! Generally speaking, carbonates are found in nature in a variety of mineral forms rather than in plant or animal (organic) forms. The focus on carbonates in inorganic chemistry is not really a problem because there is more than enough (too much?) to study in organic chemistry; of course, the properties of carbonates will be investigated where they are a part of an organic chemical structure. References to research on organic carbonates that are useful can be found at https://tutor.hix.ai and https://tutor.hix.ai

Naomi Aronson · Answer

undefined Carbonates and bicarbonates are salts that are made from carbonic acid; they are made up of carbonate ions (CO3^2-) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3^-). Because they are ionic and involve metal cations, inorganic chemistry studies them. On the other hand, organic chemistry studies compounds that are made up of carbon-hydrogen bonds and their derivatives, not salts or minerals.