Question

Are carbon monoxide or ammonia considered organic molecules? Why or why not?

Short answer

Neither carbon monoxide (CO) nor ammonia (NH3) are considered organic molecules. This is because CO lacks hydrogen atoms bonded to carbon, and NH3 does not contain a carbon atom. Both molecules do not meet the criteria of having the necessary combination of carbon and hydrogen atoms present in organic molecules.

Step-by-step solution

Define organic molecules

An organic molecule is defined as a molecule that contains carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms, usually along with several other elements like nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. These molecules are typically found in living organisms, and are the basis of organic chemistry.

Analyze carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a molecule consisting of one carbon atom (C) and one oxygen atom (O). While it does contain a carbon atom, it lacks hydrogen atoms bonded to carbon. Therefore, CO does not meet the criteria for an organic molecule.

Analyze ammonia

Ammonia (NH3) is a molecule consisting of one nitrogen atom (N) and three hydrogen atoms (H). Although it has hydrogen atoms, ammonia does not contain a carbon atom. Thus, NH3 also does not meet the criteria for an organic molecule.

Conclude

Based on the above analysis, neither carbon monoxide nor ammonia are considered organic molecules. This is because both molecules lack the necessary combination of carbon and hydrogen atoms present in organic molecules.