Question

Explain why carbon forms compounds mainly by covalent bonds explain in brief two main reasons for carbon forming a large number of compounds why does carbon form strong bonds with most other elements

Answer 1

So, carbon achieves a noble gas electronic configuration only by sharing its 4 valence electrons with other elements. Thus, it forms compounds mainly by covalent bonds.

Answer 2

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➝ Carbon has 6 electrons. So it has a total of 4 valence electrons and need 2 more to fill the second shell and reach noble gas state.

➝ But to do that it either have to lose 4 or gain 4. But both of the two situation PM's are not possible due to energy consideration. So it can neither give nor yake and thus shares it electrons with elements like hydrogen, oxygen etc....

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This happens because of the following reasons ,

➢ Catenation: It is the unique ability of the carbon atoms to form long chains.

➢ Tetra-valency: Carbon has a valency of 4, so it is capable of bonding with four other atoms of carbon or other atoms. We know that only triple bond is available but that is just not enough to satisfy carbon as it needs 4 electrons.

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$\large\sf\bullet\orange{Strong \ bonds \ by \ carbon}$

➳ Carbon is a small atom with just 6 electrons. This makes it so that the repulsion between atoms is much lower and thus forming strong bonds.

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