- Carbon forms many compounds, from simple ones like methane to complex ones like DNA, due to its bonding versatility.
- Catenation allows carbon to form long chains or rings by bonding with itself.
- Carbon forms single, double, and triple covalent bonds, leading to saturated and unsaturated compounds.
- Being tetravalent, carbon forms four strong covalent bonds with elements like H, O, N, and Cl.
- Isomerism increases the number of carbon compounds by allowing different structures with the same molecular formula.
Definitions [14]
Definition: Tetravalency of Carbon
The characteristic of the carbon atom, by virtue of which it forms four covalent bonds, is called the tetravalency of carbon.
Definition: Catenation
The property of self-linking of atoms of an element through covalent bonds in order to form straight chains, branched chains and cyclic chains of different sizes is known as catenation.
Define the following:
Adsorption
Adsorption is the property due to which a substance absorbs gases, liquids and solids on its surface.
Define the following:
Carbonization
The process of the slow conversion of vegetable matter into carbon-rich substances is called carbonization.
Define catenation.
Carbon possesses a unique property of combining with other carbon atoms to form long chains. This property is called catenation. The chains can be straight, branched or closed.
The self-linking property of atoms of an element to form very long straight or branched chains and cyclic rings is known as catenation. This property is shown by carbon whose small size and tetravalency helps it to form large structures by self-linking.
Definition: Aromatic Compounds
The compounds having this characteristic unit in their structure are called aromatic compounds.
Define Allotrophy
When an element possess 2 or more different forms in the same state, they are called allotropes and the phenomenon is known as allotropy. Diamond and graphite are the 2 allotropes of carbon.
Define Allotrophy
When an element possess 2 or more different forms in the same state, they are called allotropes and the phenomenon is known as allotropy. Diamond and graphite are the 2 allotropes of carbon.
Definition: Saturated Hydrocarbons
Saturated hydrocarbons are hydrocarbons in which the valencies of all atoms are satisfied by single bonds.
Definition: Alkenes
The unsaturated hydrocarbons containing a carbon-carbon double bond are called ‘Alkenes’.
Definition: Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons are compounds that 9re made up only of carbon and hydrogen atoms.
OR
The compounds which contain carbon and hydrogen as the only two elements are called hydrocarbons.
Definition: Unsaturated Compounds
The hydrocarbons that have double or triple covalent bonds between two adjacent carbon atoms are called unsaturated hydrocarbons.
OR
The carbon compounds having a double bond or triple bond between two carbon atoms are called unsaturated compounds. Ethene and ethyne are unsaturated hydrocarbons.
Definition: Alkanes
Saturated hydrocarbons (containing a single bond) are called ‘Alkanes’.
Definition: Alkynes
The unsaturated hydrocarbons whose structures contain a carbon-carbon triple bond are called ‘Alkynes’.
Key Points
Key Points: Carbon: A Versatile Element
Key Points: Straight chains, Branched chains, and Rings of Carbon atoms
- Carbon compounds can have straight, branched, or ring chains of carbon atoms.
- Isomers have the same formula but different structures (e.g., butane).
- Crude oil is a mix of hydrocarbons; fuels like LPG and petrol are separated by fractional distillation.
- Saturated hydrocarbons have single bonds, while unsaturated ones have double or triple bonds.
- Aromatic compounds, such as benzene, have rings with alternating double bonds.
Key Points: Hydrocarbons
- Hydrocarbons contain only carbon and hydrogen atoms and are the basic type of organic compounds.
- Saturated hydrocarbons have single bonds (e.g. methane, ethane, propane).
- Unsaturated hydrocarbons have double or triple bonds (e.g. ethene, ethyne).
- To draw structures, join the carbon atoms first, then add hydrogen atoms to complete 4 bonds per carbon.
- Ethene has a double bond, and ethyne has a triple bond between carbon atoms.
Concepts [16]
- Carbon: A Versatile Element
- Straight chains, Branched chains, and Rings of Carbon atoms
- Allotropes of Carbon > Diamond
- Allotropes of Carbon > Diamond
- Allotropes of Carbon > Graphite
- Allotropes of Carbon > Fullerene
- Non-crystalline/Amorphous Forms: Coal
- Non-crystalline/Amorphous Forms: Charcoal
- Hydrocarbons
- Non-crystalline/Amorphous Forms: Coke
- Solubility of Carbon
- Reaction of Carbon
- Carbon Dioxide
- Fire Extinguisher
- Methane
- Biogas Plant
