Discover why carbon forms millions of compounds through catenation, multiple bonding, and unique molecular arrangements
Select a demonstration to explore carbon's versatility
| Carbon (C) | |
| Hydrogen (H) |
Carbon's Unique Properties:
1. Catenation: Carbon atoms can form long chains, branched structures, and rings by bonding with other carbon atoms. This property is unique to carbon due to the strength of C-C bonds.
2. Tetravalency: Carbon has a valency of 4, allowing it to form four bonds with other atoms. This creates diverse molecular structures.
3. Multiple Bonding: Carbon forms single, double, or triple bonds. Saturated compounds contain only single bonds, while unsaturated compounds have double or triple bonds and are more reactive.
4. Strong Bonds: Carbon's small size allows its nucleus to strongly hold shared electron pairs, creating exceptionally stable compounds.