As an expert in the field of chemistry, I am well-versed in the classification and properties of various compounds. One of the fundamental distinctions in chemistry is between organic and inorganic compounds. Organic compounds are a broad class of chemical compounds that are generally characterized by the presence of carbon and hydrogen atoms bonded together in a variety of structures. Here, I will provide a detailed example of an organic compound, its structure, properties, and relevance in the context of living organisms and the broader chemical industry.

Step 1: English Answer

Methane (CH₄) is a prime example of an organic compound. It is the simplest hydrocarbon, consisting of one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms. Methane is the primary component of natural gas and is also produced by the digestive systems of some animals, such as cows and termites, making it a significant part of the Earth's carbon cycle.

### Structure and Bonding

The structure of methane is tetrahedral, with the carbon atom at the center and the four hydrogen atoms located at the vertices of the tetrahedron. This geometry is a result of the sp³ hybridization of the carbon atom's orbitals, which allows for the most stable configuration of electron pairs around the central atom. Each carbon-hydrogen bond in methane is a single covalent bond, formed by the sharing of a pair of electrons between the carbon and hydrogen atoms.

### Physical Properties

Methane is a colorless, odorless, non-toxic gas at standard temperature and pressure (STP). It has a very low boiling point of -161.5°C (-258.7°F) and a melting point of -182.5°C (-297.5°F), which can be attributed to the weak London dispersion forces between the molecules. These forces are relatively weak because methane molecules are nonpolar and do not have a significant dipole moment.

### Chemical Properties

Chemically, methane is relatively unreactive under normal conditions due to the stability of the carbon-hydrogen bonds. However, it can undergo combustion in the presence of oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water:

\[ CH_4 + 2O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + 2H_2O \]

This reaction is highly exothermic, releasing a significant amount of energy, which is why methane is used as a fuel source.

### Industrial and Biological Significance

Methane's role in the industrial sector is predominantly as a fuel, particularly in the form of natural gas. It is also used as a feedstock in the production of chemicals such as hydrogen, carbon black, and various plastics. In the biological context, methane is produced during the process of methanogenesis, which is carried out by methanogenic archaea in anaerobic environments like wetlands, the digestive tracts of ruminants, and the human gut.

### Environmental Impact

While methane is a potent greenhouse gas, it is also a clean-burning fuel that, when used in place of other fossil fuels like coal and oil, can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, methane's global warming potential is much higher than that of carbon dioxide on a per-molecule basis over a 20-year period, making it a critical component to consider in climate change discussions.

### Conclusion

Methane serves as an excellent example of an organic compound, highlighting the diversity and importance of organic chemistry. Its simple structure belies its complex roles in both natural processes and human industries. Understanding the properties and applications of methane is crucial for appreciating the broader scope of organic chemistry and its impact on our world.

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Examples of Organic Compounds or Molecules. Molecules associated with living organisms are organic. These include nucleic acids, fats, sugars, proteins, enzymes and hydrocarbon fuels. All organic molecules contain carbon, nearly all contain hydrogen, and many also contain oxygen.Sep 15, 2017read more >>