Question

Explain the fact that why organic compounds are large in number.

Answer 1

Organic compounds are large in number due to the following reasons:

1. Tetra covalency of carbon: Carbon has four valence electrons. Hence, it can form four covalent bonds by sharing electrons with other atoms. The nature of the bond is always covalent.
2. Catenation: Carbon atoms can link themselves to form straight chains, branched chains and rings, hence allowing the formation of many different compounds.
3. Multiple bonding: Owing to its small size, a carbon atom can form multiple bonds with itself as well as with other atoms such as nitrogen, oxygen or hydrogen.
4. Isomerism: Organic compounds exhibit a wide range of isomers.