What are the two properties of carbon which lead to the huge number of carbon compounds we see around us

Hint: We know that carbon is the chemical element with the symbol C and atomic number 6. It belongs to group 14 on the periodic table, it is nonmetallic and tetravalent. The most common isotope of carbon contains 6 protons and 6 neutrons, and has an atomic mass of 12.0107 amu. Complete step by step answer: We know that carbon shows various allotropic forms. Diamond has the hardest structure whereas graphite is one of the softest substances. Diamond is transparent, and can be used as an electrical insulator and thermal conductor, whereas graphite is opaque, thermal insulator and good conductor of electricity. Other allotropes of carbon include carbon nanofoam, nanotubes, amorphous carbon, buckyballs, and glassy carbon. Carbon shows affinity for linking with small atoms by the formation of covalent bonds. Carbon does not react with chlorine, any alkali metal, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid. Carbon oxides are formed when carbon reacts with oxygen at higher temperatures, and metal carbides are formed when carbon reacts with metals. Very long chains of stable and interconnecting C-C bonds are formed by carbon. This property permits for the formation of various numbers of compounds. The two important properties, which give leads to formation of large number of carbon compounds, are: 1.Catenation 2.Tetravalency We can define catenation as the capability to form several bonds with other atoms of carbon leading to large molecules. Tetravalency is the capacity of carbon to form bo...

Carbon form large number of compounds due to the following properties: (a) Catenation → Carbon shows the property of catenation that is the ability to form bonds with other carbon atoms forming long chains both branched and unbranched chains, and even rings. (b) Tetravalency → Carbon has valency 4, it is capable of bonding with 4 other carbon atoms or atoms of other non-covalent elements, giving rise to compounds with specific properties depending on the elements present in the compound. (c) Isomerism → Carbon compounds show the property of isomerism that is compounds having same molecular formula but different structural formula. (i) Catenation: Carbon has the unique ability to form bonds with other atoms of carbon, giving rise to large molecules. This property is called catenation. These compounds may have long chains of carbon, branched chains of carbon or even carbon atoms arranged in rings. In addition, carbon atoms may be linked by single, double or triple bonds. (ii) Tetravalency: Since carbon has a valency of four, it is capable of bonding with four other atoms of carbon or atoms of some other monovalent elements. In order to satisfy, its tetravalency, carbon can form double or triple bonds with other C-atoms or with oxygen, nitrogen also. Compounds of carbon are formed with oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulphur, chlorine and many other elements giving rise to compounds with specific properties which depend on the elements other than carbon present in the molecule.

The two properties of carbon which lead to the formation of large number of carbon compounds are: (1) Catenation: Carbon has the unique ability to form bonds with other atoms of carbonwhich givesrise to large molecules.The carbon-carbon bond is very strong and hence stable. (2) Tetravalency: Since carbon has a valency of four, it is capable of bonding with four other atoms. These bonds that carbon forms with other elements are very strong making these compounds exceptionally stable.