Which of the following compounds is not organic? (A)KSCN (B)CH3NHZ (D) CH3OH C) SCN
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is: (A) KSCN
Explanation
To determine which compound is not organic, we need to understand what qualifies a compound as organic. Organic compounds are generally defined as chemical compounds that primarily contain carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms, and often include other elements like oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and halogens. The key feature is the presence of carbon-hydrogen (C–H) bonds or carbon-based frameworks.
Let’s analyze each option:
(A) KSCN – Potassium thiocyanate
This is an inorganic salt composed of potassium ions (K⁺) and thiocyanate ions (SCN⁻). It lacks any carbon-hydrogen bonds or carbon frameworks typically found in organic compounds. Although SCN⁻ contains a carbon atom, it is not bonded to hydrogen or forming a carbon skeleton. Therefore, KSCN is considered an inorganic compound.
(B) CH₃NH₂ – Methylamine
This is an organic amine, consisting of a methyl group (CH₃) bonded to an amino group (NH₂). It contains both carbon and hydrogen atoms, and the carbon is bonded to hydrogen. This is a classic organic molecule.
(C) SCN⁻ – Thiocyanate ion
This is a bit more nuanced. While it does contain carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur, it is generally treated as inorganic in isolation, especially as an ion or salt form. However, when bonded to organic moieties, it can be part of organic molecules. Alone as an ion, its classification leans toward inorganic.
(D) CH₃OH – Methanol
This is an organic alcohol, consisting of a methyl group (CH₃) bonded to a hydroxyl group (OH). It is one of the simplest and most well-known organic compounds.
Conclusion:
Among the choices, KSCN is definitively inorganic, making (A) the correct answer. While SCN⁻ is borderline, KSCN as a complete compound is clearly inorganic due to its ionic nature and lack of C–H bonds.
