What are the two unique properties of carbon that allow it to form such a large number of compounds? Give one example of each property.

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PROPERTY 1 — TETRAVALENCE: Carbon has 4 valence electrons and can form 4 covalent bonds. This allows carbon to bond with 4 other atoms simultaneously, creating a huge variety of molecular structures. Example: Methane (CH₄) — carbon bonded to 4 hydrogen atoms. Carbon can bond with other carbons, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, halogens, etc. PROPERTY 2 — CATENATION: Carbon has the unique ability to form LONG CHAINS and RINGS by bonding with other carbon atoms. These C-C bonds are very strong and stable. Example: Octane (C₈H₁₈) — a straight chain of 8 carbon atoms, used in petrol. The combination of tetravalence (can form 4 bonds) and catenation (C-C bonds are strong) means carbon can form straight chains, branched chains, rings, double bonds, and triple bonds — creating millions of possible molecular structures.

Practice — Carbon and Its Compounds

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