The ngVLA wavelength range is rich is transitions of key complex organic molecules that could be connected to the interstellar path towards the origin of life. To place the potential for discoveries with ngVLA in a broad conext, in this talk I will review the basics of astrochemistry with a special focus on emerging chemical complexity. I will provide a cursory overview of the complex organic inventory of star and planet forming regions as currently revealed by instruments like ALMA. I will conclude with a foreward look to the avenues opened up by ngVLA and outline a number of challenges that exist in the interpretation of such observations.