Question

why does carbon form a large number of compounds

Answer 1

Carbon is very special because it can form so many compounds. The explanation lies deep inside the atom. Carbon atoms can form strong links with four other atoms. This dramatically increases the number of patterns that carbon atoms can make.

Answer 2

It forms large number of compounds due its property of catenation.... In which carbon atom has tendency to form bonds with itself, forming a large chain structure....
Hope this helps you....