Question

Why does the element carbon from a large number of carbon compounds?

Answer 1

The element, carbon, forms a large number of carbon compounds because of its property of self combination (catenation). The ability of one carbon atom to combine with the many other carbon atoms to form long chains produces a large number of carbon compounds. This long chain of carbon atoms supports the other atoms to get attached to it in a number of ways due to which a large number of carbon compounds are obtained.