GK QUESTION#3476
Which compound was synthesized by Friedrich Wöhler in 1828, demonstrating that organic substances could be produced from inorganic materials and thereby challenging the vital force theory?
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Answer
A. Urea
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Explanation
Friedrich Wöhler prepared urea in 1828 while investigating ammonium cyanate. Urea, CO(NH₂)₂, is an organic compound, and the synthesis demonstrated an important route from inorganic starting materials to an organic substance. It challenged vitalistic assumptions, but one experiment did not instantly settle every historical debate about vitalism.