Question

Carbon atom is tetravalent inspite of only two unpaired electron in it

Answer 1

Carbon atom is tetravalent in spite of having only two unpaired electrons in it. This can be explained as follows:

• Carbon has an atomic number of 6 and its electronic configuration is 1s²2s²2p².
• Hence, according to Hund's rule, it has two unpaired electrons in its p-orbital.
• However, it forms 4 bonds.
• This is because the energy difference between the s and p orbitals is very low.
• As a result, exchange of electrons between these two orbitals is quite feasible.
• Hence, one electrons jumps from s to p orbital.
• Now, we have 4 unpaired electrons which make carbon tetravalent.