What is the meaning of "vital force theory" in organic chemistry?
In 1815 AD, a Swedish chemist J.J. Berzelius put forward vital force theory to explain the origin of organic compound. According to this theory, organic compound are formed and synthesized only within living species( plants and animals ). The word ‘vital’ is derives from Latin term ‘vita’ which means life. This theory emphasizes on a special force or a living force or presence of life as basic requirement for formation of organic compounds. This theory does not account synthesis of organic compounds in laboratory.
However, in 1828 AD, a German chemist Friedrich Wohlev synthesized organic compound ‘urea’ from simple inorganic compounds like NH4Cl (ammonium chloride) and KCNO ( potassium cynate ). This theory defied the vital force theory.
NH4Cl + KCNO ———————→ NH4CNO +KCl
The right hand side is urea organic compound ).
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