Question

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

Answer 1

Carbon can form huge number of carbon compounds because of the following properties:
1. Tetravalency- Carbon have four valence electrons and can form four bonds
2. Catenation: Carbon atoms have the tendency to link with one another through covalent bonds to form chains and rings.
3. Small size- Due to small size electronic repulsions are less.