What organic compound has an ammonia odor and is represented by the chemical formula C8H7N?

The organic compound represented by the chemical formula C8H7N is indole. Indole is known for its distinctive ammonia-like odor and is a bicyclic structure that consists of a benzene ring fused to a pyrrole ring. This compound is often associated with the smell of feces and is found naturally in various biological materials, including tryptophan, an amino acid.

Indole plays a role in various biochemical processes and can be a significant factor in wastewater treatment as it forms during the decomposition of organic matter. Its presence in wastewater can indicate the presence of certain types of organic matter and microbial activity, making it relevant in analyzing water quality.

Skatole, while it also has a strong odor and is related to indole, has a different chemical structure and is represented by the formula C9H10N. Mercaptans and cresols are unrelated compounds that contain sulfur and phenol functional groups, respectively, and do not match the given chemical formula of C8H7N or have the specific ammonia odor characteristic of indole.