Question

Why are carbon compounds so large in numbers?

• A. Because of the study in the field.
• B. Because of the property of catenation (self linking) of the carbon.
• C. Both of $A$ and $B$.
• D. Because of its affinity to hydrogen.

Answer 1

The correct option is B Because of the property of catenation (self linking) of the carbon.

Catenation is the linkage of atoms of the same element into longer chains and it occurs in carbon which forms covalent bonds with other carbon atoms to form long chains and this property is dependent on the bond energy which decreases with diffuse orbitals and carbon forms p-p sigma bond with least diffuse valence shell orbital.