While such a definition initially seems narrow, the study of carbon compounds includes almost all of the molecules generated by living systems as well as a wide variety of polymers and other synthetic materials. DNA, proteins, sugars, lipids, natural products, polystyrene, nylon, plastics, rubber, and the vast majority of pharmaceuticals employed to treat human disease all fall under the realm of organic chemistry. Because of this tremendous diversity, the work done by modern organic chemists impacts almost every aspect of human life, and the production of useful organic molecules remains one of the world's most profitable industries. With projects ranging from an investigation into the mechanism of light-induced skin cancer to the construction of new nanomaterials, organic chemistry research at Washington University reflects the diverse nature of this field. Specific areas of research within the department include:

• Asymmetric catalysis
• Bioorganic chemistry
• Electroorganic synthesis
• Materials Chemistry
• Natural products synthesis
• Organic Synthesis
• Physical organic chemistry
• Synthetic methods development

Faculty associated with research in Organic Chemistry include Vladimir Birman, Peter Gaspar, Michael Gross, Kevin Moeller, Jay Ponder, and John-Stephen Taylor, Timothy Wencewicz.