Organic chemistry is a vitally important branch of chemistry because of its life connections, which underlie petrochemicals and fossil fuels as well as biology. Carbon is a unique element, able to consistently bond at four atomic sites with covalent bonds, so that it forms long, complex, even highly-branched chains. Carbon-based chemistry results in compounds with unique properties, such as lubricants or fiber. A recent discovery is that of Fullerenes, a class of carbon compounds that may be spherical, termed "buckyballs", or tubular, offering the potential for ultra-strong cordage and conducting lines.
Organic food products are also produced with added artificial chemicals such as artificial food colorings.
A current market trend is the availability of organic fiber for clothing, such as cotton. Proponents of organic fiber point to exceptionally high levels of the use of pesticides and other chemicals in conventional fiber production, and claim environmental abuse through conventional agriculture.
Many states now offer organic certification for their farmers. To be certified organic, the land must have been used only for organic production for a certain period of years prior to certification, and only certain naturally-derived chemicals may be used on crops.
See also organic farming / organic gardening / organic food
wikipedia.org dumped 2003-03-17 with terodump