1. Introduction

Organic chemistry is the study of carbon-based compounds in terms of their structure, properties, and synthesis. One reason for considering organic chemistry as a specialist field is because of the vast numbers of different organic compounds that can be synthesized—far more than would be possible for any other element. For over a hundred years, organic chemists have contributed vastly to our understanding of life at the molecular level, and produced novel compounds that have revolutionized modern society. The Introduction explains that there have been many benefits, but also some drawbacks. New discoveries can produce problems that affect health and the environment if they are not used with due care and responsibility.