How did Friedrich Wöhler challenge the vital force theory of organic compound synthesis?
By preparing urea from ammonium cyanate
The vital force theory held that organic compounds could be made only by living organisms through a 'vital force'.
In 1828 Friedrich Wöhler heated ammonium cyanate, an inorganic compound, and obtained urea, an organic compound found in urine.
Making an organic compound in the laboratory from an inorganic one disproved the theory.
Hence, the answer is by preparing urea from ammonium cyanate.
Similar Questions
Consider the following statements and select the correct option.
Statement A: Addition reactions occur when two or more reactants combine to form a single product.
Statement B: Alkenes and alkynes commonly undergo addition reactions.
Which of the following carbon compounds shows the presence of a branched chain structure?
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The IUPAC name for the compound CH3-C(CH3)2-CH2-CH3 is:
Which pair of compounds will show different chemical properties despite having the same molecular formula?
Compounds that differ by a –CH₂– unit belong to which type of chemical grouping?
The IUPAC name of the compound CH3 – CH2 – C(CH3)2 – CH2 – CH3 is:
Which functional group is found in esters?
Read the following two statements carefully and choose the correct option: Statement I: When methane reacts with chlorine in the presence of sunlight, hydrogen atoms in methane are gradually replaced by chlorine atoms. Statement II: The reaction between methane and chlorine is called an addition reaction.
The number of bonds formed in ethene is:
Important Questions from Organic Chemistry
The catalyst used in the manufacture of methyl alcohol from water gas is
A carbon compound when heated in excess of concentrated sulphuric acid at 443K gives ethene. The compound is an________.
Plastic is not related to which of the following
The Peroxyacetyl Nitrate (PAN) is:
Which one of the following is the chemical name of heavy water ?
