Question

Which was the first organic compound synthesized in the laboratory ?

• A. Methane
• B. Urea
• C. Thiourea
• D. Ethanol

Hint:

The synthesis of {Urea} by Friedrich Wöhler in 1828 is a famous event in chemistry history. He made an organic compound (urea) from an inorganic compound (ammonium cyanate). This helped disprove the "vital force" theory, which said only living things could make organic compounds.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Historically, organic compounds were believed to be produced only by living organisms due to a "vital force." The laboratory synthesis of an organic compound from inorganic starting materials was a landmark event that disproved this theory. Step 1: The Vital Force Theory In the early 19th century, the prevailing "vital force theory" (vitalism) suggested that organic compounds could only be formed by living organisms because they possessed a special "vital force." Step 2: Friedrich Wöhler's Experiment (1828) In 1828, the German chemist Friedrich Wöhler made a groundbreaking discovery. He was attempting to synthesize ammonium cyanate (\(NH_4CNO\)), an inorganic compound. He did this by reacting silver cyanate (\(AgCNO\)) with ammonium chloride (\(NH_4Cl\)), or potassium cyanate with ammonium sulfate. Upon heating ammonium cyanate, he unexpectedly obtained crystals of urea (\(CO(NH_2)_2\)). \[ \underset{\text{Ammonium Cyanate (inorganic)}}{NH_4CNO} \xrightarrow{\text{Heat}} \underset{\text{Urea (organic)}}{CO(NH_2)_2} \] Urea was a known organic compound, found in urine. Wöhler's synthesis of urea from an inorganic starting material (ammonium cyanate was considered inorganic) was the first time an organic compound was synthesized in the laboratory without the involvement of living organisms. Step 3: Significance of Wöhler's Synthesis This experiment was a major blow to the vital force theory and paved the way for the development of modern organic chemistry, which is based on the understanding that the same chemical principles govern both organic and inorganic compounds. Step 4: Analyzing the options % Option (X) (1) Methane (\(CH_4\)): While a simple organic compound, it was not the first synthesized in this landmark context. % Option (Y) (2) Urea (\(CO(NH_2)_2\)): This is the correct answer, synthesized by Wöhler in 1828. % Option (Z) (3) Thiourea (\(CS(NH_2)_2\)): A derivative of urea, but not the first synthesized. % Option ([) (4) Ethanol (\(CH_3CH_2OH\)): Known through fermentation for millennia, but its synthesis from purely inorganic precursors in a lab was not the first breakthrough against vitalism.