Friedrich Wöhler is widely regarded as the father of organic chemistry.
Wöhler's groundbreaking work in 1828 revolutionized the field. Before his experiment, it was believed that organic compounds could only be created by living organisms due to a "vital force." He accidentally synthesized urea (an organic compound found in urine) from inorganic starting materials – ammonium cyanate.
The reaction can be represented as follows:
NH₄OCN (Ammonium cyanate) → CO(NH₂)₂ (Urea)
This synthesis challenged the vitalism theory, demonstrating that organic compounds could be created in the laboratory without the need for living organisms. While vitalism didn't immediately disappear, Wöhler's experiment was a crucial step toward its eventual rejection.
Although other chemists also contributed to the development of organic chemistry, Wöhler's synthesis of urea is considered a pivotal moment that significantly shaped the field's direction, hence his recognition as its father. He also isolated elements such as Beryllium and Yttrium.
