Introduction

We have already been introduced to organic materials in section 1: Materials and their properties.

Organic materials are materials that contain carbon and hydrogen. Many occur naturally or originate from naturally occurring materials. Examples: Plastics, wood and paper.

You have already met some of the physical properties of these materials and also identification tests of plastics.

In this section we will have a closer look at the chemical properties of organic materials.

By the end of this section you should know:

1. Most organic materials are unreactive to water, acids and alkalis. Hence they are often used as storage containers for these substances. Paper is used in packaging them.
2. That the organic materials do under go combustion with the production of water vapour, carbon dioxide and other products depending on the organic material.
3. The difference between complete and incomplete combustion and the dangers.
4. How to test for carbon dioxide, water vapour and hydrogen chloride gas.
5. What is meant by an exothermic reaction.