What special features of carbon help it form a very large number of compounds? Explain with examples.
How to lay out the answer. Follow the frame, then write it in your own words.
1 · Define in one line. Carbon (atomic number 6, configuration 2, 4) forms covalent bonds by sharing its four valence electrons.
2 · Catenation. Carbon atoms link to each other in chains, branches and rings, as in butane, isobutane and cyclohexane.
3 · Tetravalency. Valency 4, so each carbon forms four bonds, as in CH₄.
4 · Draw the structures. [Methane with 4 C-H bonds; the straight and branched isomers of C₄H₁₀]
5 · Multiple bonds and isomerism. Single, double and triple bonds (ethane, ethene, ethyne). Same formula, different structures: n-butane and isobutane.
6 · Real life. LPG (propane, butane) and CNG (methane) are covalent carbon compounds we use every day.
7 · Close in one line. Together, these four features give carbon millions of compounds.
Scoring tip: Give one example for each feature. A neat structure of the two butane isomers earns the isomerism mark.
