Question

Assertion (A) : Carbon forms a large number of compounds
Reason (R) : Carbon has high catenation power.

• A. Both A and R are true and R is correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are true and R is not correct explanation of A
• C. A is true but R is false
• D. A is false but R is true.

Answer 1

The correct option is A Both A and R are true and R is correct explanation of A

Carbon has the highest catenation property owing to the high covalency and strength of C-C single bond.

Due to the high covalency, four bonds can be formed by each carbon atom, and long chains of such bonds can be easily formed owing to the extra stability of the C-C bonds.

Due to high catenation property, it can form long chains, and can hence form a large number of compounds, a new compound formed with every small change in the chain.

Option A is correct.