Which French chemist was one of the first scientists to synthesise organic compounds such as formic acid, methane and acetylene from their elements ?

Marcellin Berthelot

The correct answer is option 3. Marcellin Berthelot.

The French chemist who was one of the first to synthesize organic compounds, including formic acid, methane, and acetylene, was Marcellin Berthelot.

Jacob Berzelius: Though a prominent figure in chemistry, he didn't contribute significantly to organic compound synthesis.

Auguste Laurent: While credited with discovering various organic compounds, he wasn't involved in their initial synthesis.

Antoine Lavoisier: He played a crucial role in establishing the foundations of modern chemistry but didn't directly focus on synthesizing organic compounds.

Therefore, Marcellin Berthelot stands out for his pioneering work in synthesizing organic compounds from their elements. He, along with other scientists like Friedrich Wöhler, challenged the prevailing vital force theory in organic chemistry, paving the way for advancements in the field.