What is the study of chemical compounds primarily consisting of carbon known as?

The study of chemical compounds primarily consisting of carbon is known as organic chemistry. This branch of chemistry focuses on the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and preparation of carbon-containing compounds, which can include a wide variety of substances from simple molecules to complex macromolecules like proteins and nucleic acids.

Organic chemistry is fundamental not only in chemistry but also in fields such as biochemistry, pharmacology, and materials science because many biological processes and synthetic materials are based on organic compounds. For instance, understanding organic compounds is crucial for the development of pharmaceuticals and understanding metabolic processes in living organisms.

Overall, organic chemistry's emphasis on carbon and its versatility in forming a diverse range of compounds makes it a significant area of study within the scientific community.