Carbon Compounds in Everyday Life

Carbon is a fundamental element present in all living organisms and many non-living substances. Organic compounds contain carbon, except for a few inorganic carbon compounds like carbonates, bicarbonates, and oxides of carbon.

• Atomic number: 6
• Atomic mass: 12.01 g/mol
• Found in both free (coal, graphite) and combined states (carbonates, hydrocarbons, CO₂).
• Forms bonds with elements like hydrogen, oxygen, chlorine, and sulphur, creating various compounds.

Catenation Property of Carbon:

Carbon has a unique ability to form long chains and rings by bonding with itself. This property is called catenation. Additionally, carbon can form double and triple bonds with elements like oxygen and nitrogen, leading to diverse organic compounds.

Allotropes of Carbon:

Carbon exists in multiple forms called allotropes, which have different physical properties but similar chemical behaviour.

Diamond: the hardest known material, used in jewellery and cutting tools.
Graphite: a good conductor of electricity, used in pencils and lubricants.
Graphene: a single-layer structure with high electrical conductivity.
Fullerenes (C₆₀): spherical molecules used in nanotechnology.
Carbon nanotubes: cylindrical structures with high strength and conductivity.

Types of Carbon-Based Compounds

1. Hydrocarbons: carbon and hydrogen compounds (e.g., methane CH₄, ethane C₂H₆).
2. Carbon-Oxygen Compounds: Includes CO₂, CO, and CO₃.
3. Carbon-Sulphur Compounds: Examples include CS₂ and OCS.
4. Carbon-Nitrogen Compounds: Includes Cyanogen (CN)₂ and Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN).
5. Carbon-Halide Compounds: Examples: carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄), carbon tetrafluoride (CF₄).

Uses of Carbon and Its Compounds

• Life’s building block: essential for all living organisms.
• Fuels: Hydrocarbons are the primary energy source.
• Polymers: Used in plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene.
• Dyes and drugs: Carbon compounds are used in pharmaceuticals.
• Diamond: Used in jewellery and industrial cutting tools.
• Graphite: Used in pencils, lubricants, and electrodes.
• Glucose: A vital energy source for living cells.