Question

Explain in brief two main reasons for carbon forming a large number of compounds.

Answer 1

The two main reasons for carbon forming a large number of compounds are as follows:-

(a) Catenation:- It is the ability of carbon to form bonds with other carbon atoms; this results in compounds having long branched chains and rings.

(b) Tetravalency:- Carbon has 4 valence electrons, so it is capable of forming covalent bonds with 4 other atoms.