carbon-based compounds
nounUK /ˈkɑː.bən beɪst ˈkɒm.paʊndz/
US /ˈkɑːr.bən beɪst ˈkɑːm.paʊndz/
These are substances made mostly of carbon atoms joined with other atoms.
Sugar and plastic are both carbon-based compounds.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Chemical compounds in which carbon is bonded to hydrogen, often found in living things.
Scientists study carbon-based compounds to understand how living cells work.
3. A broad group of substances studied in organic chemistry, including fuels and medicines.
Many medicines are carbon-based compounds made in laboratories.
4. Materials formed from carbon chains or rings, such as plastics and oils.
The factory makes carbon-based compounds used to produce everyday plastics.