A heterocyclic compound is a cyclic compound that has atoms of at least two different elements as members of its ring(s). The counterparts of heterocyclic compounds are homocyclic compounds, the rings of which are made of a single element.
Although heterocyclic compounds may be inorganic, most contain at least one carbon. Since in organic chemistry non-carbons usually are considered to replace carbon atoms, they are called heteroatoms, meaning 'different from carbon and hydrogen' (rings of heteroatoms of the same element are homocyclic). The IUPAC recommends the Hantzsch-Widman nomenclature for naming heterocyclic compounds.
Heterocyclic chemistry is the branch of chemistry dealing with synthesis, properties, and applications of heterocycles.
Read more about Heterocyclic Compound: Classification Based On Electronic Structure, 3-Membered Rings, 4-Membered Rings, 5-Membered Rings, 6-Membered Rings, 7-Membered Rings, 8-Membered Rings, Images, Fused Rings, History of Heterocyclic Chemistry, Commercial Exploitation
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“Give a scientist a problem and he will probably provide a solution; historians and sociologists, by contrast, can offer only opinions. Ask a dozen chemists the composition of an organic compound such as methane, and within a short time all twelve will have come up with the same solution of CH4. Ask, however, a dozen economists or sociologists to provide policies to reduce unemployment or the level of crime and twelve widely differing opinions are likely to be offered.”
—Derek Gjertsen, British scientist, author. Science and Philosophy: Past and Present, ch. 3, Penguin (1989)