Question

State the reason why carbon can neither form C?+ cations nor C?- anions, but forms covalent compounds. Also state reasons to explain why covalent compounds:
(i) are bad conductors of electricity ?
(ii) have low melting and boiling points?

Answer 1

♤ Carbon can't lose 4 electron to form C^4+ ions as very high energy is required to remove 4 electrons.

♤ Carbon can not gain 4 electron to form C^4- ions as 6 protons can not hold 10 ♤ electrons and Energy needs to be supplied to overcome repulsion.

♤ Carbon can share 4 electron to form covalent compounds.

♤ Carbons do not conduct electricity as they are non - polar and do not form ions.

♤ They have low melting points and boiling points due to weak van der Waal's force of attraction between molecules