Question

State the reason why carbon can neither form C* cations nor anons,
Also state reasons to explain why covalent
compounds:
() are bad conductors of electricity ?
(ii) have low melting and boiling points?​

Answer 1

Carbon is unable to form C4- anion as its nucleus with six protons will not be able to hold ten electrons. Thus carbon achieves noble gas electronic configuration by sharing its four electrons with other elements, i.e. it forms covalent compounds.

Because they form covalent bonds, and they do not give rise to free electrons because all electrons are used to create the covalent bond.

The molecules are held together by weak forces so these substances have low melting andboiling points. They do not conduct electricity.