Question

the element carbon forms a very large number of compounds

Answer 1

Carbon is an element which shows the oxidation state of 4 which combined with its property of catenation, makes it possible to form a huge number of compounds. Catenation is the property by which it can make bonds with other carbon atoms to form long chains.

Answer 2

yes it make very large no. of compounds

examples of it is following

methane
propane
ethanol
ethanoic acid
butane
etc
It also have some allotrops such as

DIAMOND
BUCK MINSTER FULLERENE
GRAPHITE