Question

why is one entire branch of chemistry devoted to the behavior of the compounds of just one element-carbon?

Answer 1

because Carbon is the Element which forms maximum compounds.

Answer 2

Organic Chemistry - The study of carbon and its compounds; the study of the chemistry of life.

2.

Inorganic Chemistry - The study of compounds not-covered by organic chemistry; the study of inorganic compounds or compounds which do not contain a C-H bond. Many inorganic compounds are those which contain metals.

3.

Analytical Chemistry - The study of the chemistry of matter and the development of tools used to measure properties of matter.

4.

Physical Chemistry - The branch of chemistry that applies physics to the study of chemistry. Commonly this includes the applications of thermodynamics and quantum mechanics to chemistry.

5.

Biochemistry - This is the study of chemical processes that occur inside of living organisms.

Be aware, there are other ways chemistry may be divided into categories. Other examples of branches of chemistry might include polymer chemistry and geochemistry. Chemical engineering may also be considered to be a chemistry discipline.There is also overlap between disciplines. Biochemistry and organic chemistry, in particular, share a lot in common.