Property of Carbon Compounds- Tetravalency


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Property of Carbon Compounds- Tetravalency

Carbon belongs to group 14 of the periodic table. Its atomic number is 6 and the electronic configuration is 2, 4. Thus, it has four electrons in the outermost shell. Hence, its valency is i.e. it is capable of bonding or pairing with four other carbon atoms or with the atoms of some other mono-valent elements like hydrogen, halogen (chlorine, bromine) etc.Thus, carbon is tetravalent and can form 4  covalent bonds with not only other atoms but other carbon atoms as well. This is called tetravalency of carbon. It is unique property of carbon as it forms very strong covalent bonds which makes carbon compounds exceptionally stable in nature. Carbon could gain four electrons to form C^4^- anion or lose four electrons to form C^4^+ cation. Both these conditions require large amount of energy. Thus it has a very little tendency to form ionic compounds.The ability of carbon to from covalent bonds with other carbon atoms is called Catenation. Due to this property carbon can form long straight, branched and cyclic chains. Carbon can form single, double and triple covalent bonds with other carbon atoms.

The below are the few examples showing the tetravalency of Carbon :

The figure given below is of methane (CH_4). Structure of methane shows the sharing of electron between Hydrogen(H) and Carbon(C) atom.

                        

Sample Questions
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Question : 1

Which of the following are correct :

(a) The atomic number of carbon is 7.

(b) Carbon could gain four electrons to form C^4^- anion.

(c) The electronic configuration of Carbon is 2,4.

Right Option : B
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Question : 2

Which of the following are correct :

(a) Carbon is tetravalent and can form 4  covalent bonds with not only other atoms but other carbon atoms as well.

(b) Carbon's atomic number is 6 and the electronic configuration is 2, 4.

Right Option : C
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Explanation
Question : 3

How many electrons are present in the outermost shell of Carbon ?

Right Option : D
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Explanation
 
 


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