organic compound crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "organic compound crossword clue" and need a quick solution or a deeper understanding, you've come to the right place. We provide accurate answers across various lengths, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "organic compound crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
LIPID: A class of organic compounds that are fatty acids or their derivatives, insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. Often clued in crosswords when referring to fats or oils.
ESTER: An organic compound derived from an acid and an alcohol. Known for their characteristic sweet, fruity odors, making them common in perfumes and flavorings.
6 Letters
ALKANE: A saturated hydrocarbon, consisting only of carbon and hydrogen atoms connected by single bonds. The simplest type of organic compound, fundamental to organic chemistry.
KETONE: An organic compound with the structure RC(=O)R', where R and R' are hydrocarbon groups. Acetone is a common example, used as a solvent.
7 Letters
ALCOHOL: An organic compound characterized by the presence of a hydroxyl (-OH) functional group attached to a carbon atom. Ethanol is a well-known example, found in beverages.
BENZENE: A cyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with the chemical formula C6H6. A fundamental organic solvent and a building block for many complex organic compounds.
METHANE: The simplest alkane, a basic organic compound. It's a primary component of natural gas and a potent greenhouse gas.
ETHANOL: A type of alcohol, an organic compound found in alcoholic beverages and used as a fuel or solvent. Also known as ethyl alcohol.
GLUCOSE: A simple sugar, a vital organic compound for energy in living organisms. It's a monosaccharide and a key carbohydrate.
PROTEIN: Large biomolecules, complex organic compounds essential for life. They are made of chains of amino acids and perform a vast array of functions within organisms.
8 Letters
ALDEHYDE: An organic compound containing a formyl group (-CHO). Often used as solvents or starting materials for various syntheses, with formaldehyde being a common example.
9 Letters
AMINOACID: A fundamental organic compound that combine to form proteins. There are 20 common types that are the building blocks of all proteins in the human body.
More About "organic compound crossword clue"
Organic compounds form the backbone of life on Earth. From the simple methane found in natural gas to the complex proteins that build our bodies, these carbon-based molecules are incredibly diverse and essential. Crossword clues featuring organic compounds often draw from common knowledge of biology, chemistry, and everyday substances, making them both challenging and educational.
Understanding the basics of organic chemistry can significantly improve your ability to solve these types of clues. Terms like "hydrocarbon," "alcohol," "acid," "ester," and "amine" frequently appear. Familiarity with common examples such as glucose (a sugar), ethanol (an alcohol), or lipids (fats) can provide the necessary hint to unlock the answer.
The beauty of organic compounds in crosswords lies in their broad application across various fields. A clue might refer to a specific drug (e.g., ASPIRIN), a component of food (e.g., FRUCTOSE), or an industrial solvent (e.g., BENZENE). This wide range means staying observant of context and letter count is key.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: For chemical or scientific clues like "organic compound," consider the overall theme of the puzzle or other solved clues. Sometimes, a theme around biology or chemistry can point you towards a specific category of organic compounds.
- Consider Common Examples: Brainstorm common organic compounds you encounter daily: sugars, alcohols, fats, proteins, or simple hydrocarbons. Many crossword answers are everyday terms that are also scientific.
- Check Letter Count First: Before trying to guess, always look at the number of letters required. This instantly narrows down the possibilities from a vast number of organic compounds to a manageable few.
- Look for Chemical Prefixes/Suffixes: Be aware of common organic chemistry prefixes (e.g., "meth-", "eth-", "prop-") or suffixes (e.g., "-ol" for alcohol, "-one" for ketone, "-ane" for alkane). These can provide strong hints.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines an organic compound in crossword puzzles?
In crossword puzzles, an 'organic compound' refers to a chemical compound that typically contains carbon-hydrogen bonds. Common answers include terms like ALCOHOL, PROTEIN, METHANE, or specific types of compounds like ESTER or KETONE. The clue often points to a known substance or a class of substances.
How can I better identify 'organic compound' answers in crosswords?
Look for clues related to biology, chemistry, food science, or common household items. Words like 'hydrocarbon,' 'acid,' 'sugar,' 'protein,' 'fat,' or names of specific chemicals (e.g., 'ethanol') are strong indicators. Pay attention to the number of letters as this helps narrow down the possibilities significantly.
Are all chemical terms considered organic compounds in crosswords?
No, not all chemical terms are organic compounds. For instance, salts (like SODIUM CHLORIDE) or pure elements (like OXYGEN or IRON) are inorganic. Crossword clues for organic compounds specifically hint at carbon-based molecules, often related to living organisms or synthetic materials derived from them.