I think I have identified these right but I am confused on the why part of my question. Am I on the right track or should I read some more?
Are these organic? If they are why?
KMnO4-no
CH3Oh-yes
C6H6-yes
PdCI2-no
Ch3CO2H-yes
Because they are carbon compounds, have covalent bonds that have low melting and boiling points. Inorganics do not contain carbon.
I think you are close.
You will find that the distinction between organic and inorganic is often somewhat nebulous. Yes, in general, organic compounds contain carbon and inorganic do not...but not always!! for example, carbon dioxide, sodium cyanide, and sodium bicarbonate are generally considered inorganic. A better definition is that organic compounds generally contain carbon-hydrogen bonds.
Did I have the correct answers for the examples?
yes.
It seems like you're heading in the right direction, but let me help you understand the why part of your question.
Organic compounds are generally defined as compounds that contain carbon atoms, with a few exceptions such as carbonates and cyanides. In your list, the compounds CH3OH (methanol), C6H6 (benzene), and CH3CO2H (acetic acid) all contain carbon, so they can be classified as organic compounds.
On the other hand, KMnO4 (potassium permanganate) and PdCl2 (palladium(II) chloride) do not contain carbon atoms, so they are classified as inorganic compounds.
The reason why carbon compounds are generally referred to as organic is because carbon has a unique ability to form covalent bonds with other elements including itself. These covalent bonds allow for the formation of a wide range of molecular structures, leading to the vast diversity of organic compounds found in nature. Organic compounds often have low melting and boiling points, as covalent bonds are relatively strong and do not easily break under normal conditions.
Now, regarding your question on whether you should read more, it's always a good idea to further your knowledge and understanding. If you're interested in organic chemistry, exploring more resources can help broaden your understanding of the topic and answer any further questions you may have.