Organic compounds are chemical substances primarily made of carbon atoms covalently bonded with hydrogen atoms, along with other elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. The distinguishing feature of organic compounds is the presence of carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds. This sets them apart from inorganic compounds, which either lack carbon or have carbon atoms not bonded with hydrogen.

• Carbon’s Versatility: Carbon atoms have four valence electrons, allowing them to form four covalent bonds. This enables the formation of a wide variety of structures, including chains, rings, and complex frameworks.
• Hydrogen’s Role: The bonding of carbon with hydrogen stabilizes the structure, creating molecules with diverse chemical and physical properties.

• Option A (Oxygen): While some organic compounds contain oxygen (e.g., alcohols, acids), it is not a defining characteristic.
• Option C (Solubility in Water): Many organic compounds, especially hydrocarbons, are hydrophobic and do not dissolve in water.
• Option D (High Melting Point): Organic compounds can have a wide range of melting points, from very low (e.g., methane) to high (e.g., polymers).