Which compound is inorganic?
A. C6H12O6
B. KH2PO4
C. CH3COOH
D. C2H6
E. C2H5OH
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is B. KH₂PO₄.
Explanation:
Understanding Organic and Inorganic Compounds:
Organic compounds are typically characterized by the presence of carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms in various configurations. These compounds are often associated with living organisms and biological processes, although they can be synthesized artificially. Common examples include carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
Inorganic compounds, on the other hand, are generally defined as compounds that do not contain carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds. They include minerals, salts, metals, and other substances often associated with non-living matter.
Analysis of the Options:
- C₆H₁₂O₆ (Glucose):
- This is a carbohydrate and an organic compound. It contains carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms and is involved in biological energy production.
- KH₂PO₄ (Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate):
- This is a salt and an inorganic compound. It lacks carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds, and its structure is primarily ionic, with potassium, hydrogen, and phosphate ions.
- CH₃COOH (Acetic Acid):
- This is an organic compound. It has carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms and is commonly found in vinegar.
- C₂H₆ (Ethane):
- This is a simple hydrocarbon and an organic compound. It consists entirely of carbon and hydrogen atoms, meeting the criteria for organic compounds.
- C₂H₅OH (Ethanol):
- This is an organic compound. It is an alcohol with a carbon-hydrogen backbone, making it organic by definition.
Why KH₂PO₄ is Inorganic:
Potassium dihydrogen phosphate is considered inorganic because it does not have carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms. Instead, it consists of a potassium ion, phosphate group, and hydrogen ions, which form an ionic crystal lattice in its solid state. It is widely used in agriculture as a fertilizer and in food processing.
Thus, KH₂PO₄ is the only inorganic compound among the options.