Question

Why does carbon form such a large number of compounds?

Answer 1

Hint: To answer this question we should know that, carbon is a non-metal element in the periodic table and non-metals are electronegative and form bonds by electron sharing. When atoms of an element are self-linked, they form a large number of compounds.


Complete step by step answer:
Carbon forms large number of compound due to following reasons:
-Catenation: Catenation can be defined as the bonding of atoms of the same element into a continuous link i.e. called as a chain. The unique property of the carbon atom to be able to form continuous links with other carbons atoms through covalency is one reason for the existence of a large number of organic compounds.

-Tetravalency: We know, a carbon atom is a tetravalent atom. Thus, the carbon atom’s four valence electrons can be shared with other atoms which have electrons to share thereby forming covalent i.e. shared electron bonds. They can even be shared by other carbon atoms, which in turn can share its electrons with other atoms and so, forming a long chain of carbon atoms.

-Isomerism: The same collection of atoms and bonds with different geometrical arrangement within the molecule differentiate a molecule having different shape and hence different properties. These different molecules are known as isomers. Thus, carbon has the property of forming long chains.

-Multiple bond: Carbon atoms can share not only a single electron with another atom forming a single bond, but it can also share its all four electrons with other atoms thereby, forming a double or triple bond with the other atom.

Note: Carbon can form four covalent bonds for its tetravalency property. This versatile nature of carbon results in a large number of carbon compounds. Also, carbon is known for its catenation property. All the elements of the carbon family show this property but carbon shows the most. This is due to the increase of atomic size of an element down the group which results in a decrease of strength of the covalent bond. Hence, the catenation property decreases down the carbon group.