Question

Why does Carbon form covalent bond?

Answer 1

1. Carbon has $\mathbf{4}$ electrons in its outermost shell.
2. So it should either lose these $\mathbf{4}$ electrons or gain another $\mathbf{4}$ electrons to attain a stable configuration
3. It is difficult for a small atom of Carbon to add another $\mathbf{4}$ electrons to its shell to form ${\mathbf{C}}^{\mathbf{4}\mathbf{-}}$ due to strong repulsion force between electrons.
4. The removal of $\mathbf{4}$ electrons from the outermost shell of the Carbon atom cannot form ${\mathbf{C}}^{\mathbf{4}\mathbf{+}}$ ion by losing its valence electrons.
5. Thus, Carbon atom cannot enter into bonding both by either losing its valence electrons or by gaining $\mathbf{4}$ more electrons.
6. Carbon atom overcomes the difficulty by sharing its valence electrons with other Carbon atoms or with the atoms of other elements.
7. Thus, Carbon atom is able to acquire stability by forming covalent bonds.