An organic compound is any of a large class of chemical compounds whose molecules contain carbon, with exception of carbides, carbonates and carbon oxides. Organic compounds are studied in organic chemistry; many of them, such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates (sugars), are also of prime importance in biochemistry.

Some of the classes of organic compounds include aliphatic compounds, chains of carbon which may be modified by functional groups; aromatic hydrocarbons, compounds containing one or more benzene rings; heterocyclic compounds which include non-carbon atoms as part of a ring structure; and polymers, which are long chains of repeating groups.

The dividing line between organic and inorganic is somewhat controversial and historically arbitrary, but generally speaking, organic compounds have carbon-hydrogen bonds, and inorganic compounds do not. Thus carbonic acid is inorganic, whereas formic acid, the first fatty acid, is organic, although it could as well be called "carbonous acid" and its anhydride, carbon monoxide, is inorganic.

The name "organic" is a historical name, dating back to 19th century, when it was believed that organic compounds could only be synthesised in living organisms through vis vitalis - the "force of life".

Most pure organic compounds are artificially produced. Ironically the term "organic" is also used to describe products produced without artificial chemicals. See organic production.

See also organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry of carbon.

See list of compounds for a list of all compounds currently in Wikipedia.