Question

List two reasons why carbon forms large number of compounds and are poor conductors of electricity?

Answer 1

Carbon can form large number of compounda because it has a unique feature called Catenation.Catenation means large number of bonds can be formed.so this is the readon why carbon can form large number of compounds.The reason why it is poor conducyor is it forms Covalent bond.The dont form proper ions when put in water.This is the reason whu it is a poor conductor of electricity.EveN other reason is catbon is a non metal.so it is a poor conductor of electricity.

Answer 2

Carbon is a non metal with atomic number 6.
It forms large number of compounds due to :
---> Catenation property : Self linking property of carbon 
----> Tetra valent .

The compounds are poor conductors of electricity because mostly they form Covalent bonds by sharing of electrons and as they do not split up into ions they don't conduct electricity.