Why is Carbon called Tetravalent?

Why is Carbon called Tetravalent?

Answer:

• The word 'Tetra' means 4
• The word 'Valent' means Valency
• The electronic configuration of C is 2,4.
• 4 electrons are present in the outermost shell.
• Therefore, it can either lose 4 electrons or gain 4 electrons.
• Hence 4 is the Valency .
• That's why we call it tetravalent.

Since Carbon has valency of 4, it is called Tetravalent