Question

Write a short note.

Characteristics of carbon

Answer 1

1. Catenation power: Carbon has a unique ability to form strong covalent bonds with other carbon atoms; this results in formation of big molecules. This property of carbon is called catenation power.
2. Multiple bond formation: Two carbon atoms can be bonded together by one, two or three covalent bonds. These are called a single bond, double bond, and triple bond respectively. Thus, carbon atom has the ability to form multiple bonds as well as single bonds.
3. Tetravalency: Being tetravalent one carbon atom can form bonds with four other atoms (carbon or any other). This results in formation of many compounds.
4. Isomerism: One more characteristic of carbon, which is responsible for large number of carbon compounds is isomerism.