Question

why carbon is unique in nature

Answer 1

Carbon is the only element that can form so many different compounds because each carbon atom can form 4 chemical bonds to other atoms.

Answer 2

The answer lies with carbon's unique properties. Carbon has an exceptional ability to bind with a wide variety of other elements. Carbon makes four electrons available to form covalent chemical bonds, allowing carbon atoms to form multiple stable bonds with other small atoms, including hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.