Question

Explain why carbon forms covalent bond? Given two reasons for carbon forming a large number of compounds.

Answer 1

The valency of the carbon atom is 4. A carbon atom has no tendency to lose its valence electrons or gain 4 electrons from other atoms.

So, the carbon atom completes its octet by sharing its valence electrons with other atoms.

So the reason for this, the carbon atom can form a covalent bond.

Carbon can form a large number of compounds because of its catenation property. 4 electrons available in its valence shell, which can form bonds either with carbon atom or atoms of other elements.