VITAL FORCE THEORY AND AND ITS EFFECT AND REJECTION

Vital Force Theory

• In 1815 J.Berzelius gave this theory.
• Vital Force means Super Natural Force.

Statement

• Organic compounds cannot be synthesized in the laboratory from Inorganic compounds ,they can only be obtained from living organisms.

Reason

• For the synthesis of Organic compounds, a Super Natural Force (called Vital Force) is required.This force cannot be obtained because only God has such a great power.

Effect of Vital Force Theory

• The research on Organic compounds was stopped due to this theory.

Rejection of Vital Force Theory

• Fredric Wohler in 1828 took NH4Cl and react it with KCNO to formNHCNO.After the formation of NH4CNO,he got wet NHCNO.In order to dry it, he heated it and likely  he made an Organic compound Urea.Hence Vital Force Theory was rejected.

The following reaction was noticed.

NH4Cl        +         KCNO            --------           KCl          +          NH4CNO.  

                                                                           heat

NH4CNO             ------------               NH2CNNH2.