Introduction to Carbon
The crust of the Earth is made up of 0.02 percent carbon, which can be found in various forms throughout the planet. Carbon is the first object that comes to mind when looking at the group since it is so different from the others. In addition to its unusual size, high electrification, high ionization energy, and lack of d-orbitals, carbon shows unusual behavior due to a variety of characteristics, including its lack of d-orbitals. Carbon-based compounds have high melting and boiling temperatures compared to other elements in the same group as carbon, such as oxygen.
Anomalous Behavior of Carbon
In several ways, carbon, the first element in group 14, differs from the other elements in its group, causing it to behave in a manner that is out of character for the element.
The strange behavior of carbon can be explained by the following:
Tetravalency
An atom of carbon has four electrons in the outermost region of its shell, called the outer component of the surface. It requires four more electrons to complete its octet, and thus it must add them to complete it. To obtain its entire set of electrons, carbon must first share them with other atoms in the presence of other particles. Final result: Because it shares electrons with other atoms, the carbon atom creates four covalent connections at the end of its life cycle. The phrase "tetravalency of carbon" refers to how many carbon atoms are contained inside a certain quantity of space (tetra means four). The four valences of carbon are organized in the following manner.
Catenation
Catenation is a process in which carbon atoms join together to create covalent bonds with other carbon atoms, resulting in longer carbon chains and structures. For this reason, there are so many organic chemicals present throughout the Earth. Carbon is best recognized for its capacity to catenate, which is utilized in organic chemistry to examine structures composed of catenated carbon atoms. Carbon is also known for its ability to catenate.
Small Size of Carbon
Because of the small size of the carbon atom, it is easier to form numerous bonds, and catenation is also possible because of its small size. Carbon is a half-filled element because it possesses four electrons in its outermost portions, indicating that it is only half-filled. Because the nucleus can hold both electrons bonded to one other and electrons that are not linked to each other, it is stable.
Electronegativity
This isn't the only thing carbon can do, and it can make pp – pp multiple bonds with itself and different molecules. This can also be because it is small and has high electronegativity. C = C, C° C, C = O, C = S, and C° N would be some of them.
FAQs on Anomalous Behaviour of Carbon
1. What is the Benefit of the Catenation Property of Carbon?
Carbon is an element of group-14 p-block element which is intended in the first place in the group and shows different anomalous properties. Catenation is the ability of an element through which an element can form long-chain compounds forming covalent bonds with its other elements. As we know carbon exists on earth in various free and combine states and has organic and inorganic compounds. There are various organic compounds formed by carbon atoms due to its catenation property.
2. Why Does the Carbon Element Show Anomalous Behavior?
Carbon atoms show anomalous behavior which is different from other members of the group due to various properties of carbon elements.
Properties responsible for anomalous behavior of carbon are:
- Higher electronegativity
- High ionization power
- Small size of an atom
- Absence of d-orbital in ca carbon atom
Many properties are different from other elements of the same group shown by carbon atoms and thus it makes carbon a unique element.
These properties are tetravalency, catenation, the small size of the atom, electronegativity.
3. What is the anomalous behavior of carbon?
The anomalous behavior of carbon are:
1. Small atomic size
2. High ionization enthalpy and electronegativity
3. absence of vacant d−
d−orbitals in the valence shell
4. Its strong catenation tendency
4. Give an example of an element or atom which does not show catenation?
The catenation attribute of the lead is not displayed.
In the case of carbon atoms, catenation means that they can create a covalent connection with another carbon atom. When two carbon atoms bond together, they generate a long chain of carbon atoms that are linked together. Because carbon has many electrons and prefers to form strong covalent bonds, it exhibits the most significant catenation.
5. What is the Valency of carbon in organic compounds?
The carbon atom has a value of four, meaning one carbon atom may form four covalent connections with other carbon atoms. The division of organic chemistry that deals with carbon compounds is known as carbon chemistry. Carbon has risen to prominence among the different elements due to its distinctive characteristics.
6. What is the difference between Valency and valence electrons?
The Valency of an element refers to the number of electrons that an atom exchange, loses, or gains due to a chemical reaction in which it participates. The outermost shell of an atom is referred to as the 'valence shell,' and the electrons that reside in that shell are referred to as 'valence electrons.'
7. Compare the ability of catenation of Carbon and Silicon. Give reasons?
Catenation can be found in both silicon and carbon. This is because silicon bonds are less stable and reactive, whereas carbon bonds are powerful, so carbon shows better catenation than silicone.