Question

The number of carbon compounds is more than those formed by all other
elements put together. Justify the statement by giving two reasons.

Answer 1

Answer:

ANSWER

a) The two features of carbon which lead to form huge number of compounds are:

1) Catenation - It is the linkage of atoms of the same element into longer chains. Catenation occurs most readily in carbon, which forms covalent bonds with other carbon atoms to form longer chains and structures. This is the reason for the presence of the vast number of organic compounds in nature.

2) Tetravalency -A tetravalence is the state of an atom with four electrons available for covalent chemical bonding in its valence (outermost electron shell).

Organic compounds have covalent bonds in their structure.

b) C

3

H

8

and C

4

H

10

which are propane and butane respectively are two higher homologues of ethane.