Synthetic Organic Compounds

Specialty organic chemicals have been developed because they exhibit features that are valuable to us. They extend our life spans and enhance our quality of life. They include herbicides and insecticides, pharmaceuticals, food coloring and flavors, personal care products, dyes and paints, adhesives, detergents, polymers, and plastics. Sometimes, synthetic organic chemicals can be highly toxic and may be the byproduct of manufacturing a product, such as bleached paper, and have been the focus of considerable regulatory concern. Some of these chemicals, such as DDT, have been subject to production bans. More common synthetic organic chemicals are found just about everywhere in our modern lives. Organic chemicals, all of those containing carbon and hydrogen, should not be confused with organic foods or products that are free from synthetic organic chemicals.