What is the meaning of 'melting point' in the context of organic compounds?

In the context of organic compounds, the term 'melting point' refers specifically to the temperature at which a solid transitions into a liquid. This transition occurs as the thermal energy of the solid increases, overcoming the intermolecular forces that hold the solid structure together.

Understanding melting point is crucial for various applications in organic chemistry, such as characterization of compounds, assessing purity, and predicting behavior in different environments. A pure compound typically has a sharp and well-defined melting point, while impurities typically lead to a depression and broadening of the melting point range.

The other definitions provided in the choices do not apply to melting point. The definition interconnected with the transition from liquid to solid is known as freezing point, while the transformation of a gas to a liquid pertains to the concept of condensation. Additionally, dissolution is a separate process altogether where a solid solute interacts with a solvent to form a solution, not a change of state defined by temperature.