Question

Explain why carbon generally forms compounds by covalent bonds.

Answer 1

Covalent bonds:

1. Covalent bonds are formed by the mutual sharing of electrons between the same or different atoms of compounds.
2. It is mostly formed between non-metal atoms like Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, etc.

Carbon generally forms compounds by covalent bonds because:

1. It has an electronic configuration $1{\mathrm{s}}^{2}2{\mathrm{s}}^{2}2{\mathrm{p}}^2$.
2. It cannot donate or accept four electrons for completing its octet.
3. Due to this reason, Carbon tends to share electrons with other atoms of compounds to form covalent bonds.
4. Carbon has the property to form bonds with other carbon atoms this is called catenation.

Hence, carbon generally forms compounds by covalent bonds.