Question 2 Page 68 - Chapter 4 Class 10 - Carbon and its Compounds

What are the two properties of carbon which lead to the huge number of carbon compounds we see around us?

Answer

Carbon has a very versatile nature which allows it to form a huge number of compounds.

This is mainly because of two properties unique to the C-atom:

1. Catenation : It is the property of carbon atoms to form bonds with each other.

Carbon atoms have the ability to form bonds with other carbon atoms . 

• These carbon atoms connect atom to atom to form long chains . This property is known as Catenation .
• Catenation is an extremely useful property as it gives rise to a large number of Carbon compounds.

• Tetravalency:  

Carbon has 4 valence electrons . 

• It can neither donate all 4 of its valence electrons, nor accept 4 electrons from another to achieve Noble gas configuration 
• Hence, it shares electrons with other atoms to form covalent bonds . 
• Since its valency is 4 Carbon can form upto 4 covalent bonds at once . 
• This is known as tetravalency. .