Which of the following describe(s) the versatile nature of carbon?
a. The ability to form bonds with other carbon atoms giving rise to large molecules.
b. The ability to form double bonds with other carbon atoms.
c. The ability to form bonds with other atoms like oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur, hydrogen etc.
- AOption (a)
Only a and c
- BOption (b)
Only b and c
- COption (c)
All a, b and c
- DOption (d)
Only a
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Correct answer
All a, b and c
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is All a, b and c.
Key Points
- Carbon has the unique ability to form bonds with other atoms of carbon, giving rise to large molecules. This property is called catenation, which allows for the formation of long chains, branched chains, and ring structures. Hence, statement a is correct.
- Carbon atoms may be linked by single, double, or triple bonds. Compounds of carbon, which are linked by only single bonds between the carbon atoms are called saturated compounds, while compounds of carbon having double or triple bonds between their carbon atoms are called unsaturated compounds. Hence, statement b is correct.
- Since carbon has a valency of four, it is capable of bonding with four other atoms of carbon or atoms of some other mono-valent elements. Carbon forms bonds with atoms of oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulphur, chlorine, and many other elements, giving rise to compounds with specific properties. Hence, statement c is correct.
- The versatile nature of carbon is essentially a combination of its tetravalency and its power of catenation. These two factors together lead to the existence of a very large number of organic compounds.
- The bonds that carbon forms with most other elements are very strong, making these compounds exceptionally stable. One reason for the formation of strong bonds by carbon is its small size, which enables the nucleus to hold on to the shared pairs of electrons strongly.
Additional Information
- Tetravalency of Carbon:
- Carbon has an atomic number of 6 and its electronic configuration is 2, 4. It has four valence electrons in its outermost shell (L-shell).
- To achieve a noble gas configuration, it shares these four electrons with other atoms, forming covalent bonds. This ability to form four bonds is known as tetravalency.
- Catenation and Bond Strength:
- While other elements like Silicon (Group 14) also exhibit catenation, they form chains that are much more reactive and less stable.
- Carbon-carbon bonds are very strong and stable, which allows for the creation of macromolecules like DNA, proteins, and polymers.
- Functional Groups:
- When carbon bonds with heteroatoms like oxygen or nitrogen, it forms functional groups (such as alcohols, aldehydes, and carboxylic acids).
- These functional groups dictate the chemical properties of the carbon compound, regardless of the length of the carbon chain.
- Isomerism:
- Carbon compounds also show isomerism, where compounds with the same molecular formula possess different structural arrangements.
- This structural diversity contributes significantly to the millions of carbon-based substances found in nature, ranging from hydrocarbons to complex biomolecules.