Chapter 21, Problem 40A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The characteristic of carbon that accounts for large variety of organic compounds needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

A class of chemical compounds where one or more carbon atoms are bonded with other or to atoms of other elements, most commonly $\text{H, O, or N}$ via covalent bond is said to be organic compound.

Explanation of Solution

The electronic configuration of carbon is:

$\left[\text{He}\right]{\text{2s}}^{\text{2}}{\text{2p}}^{\text{2}}$

The number of valence electrons for carbon atom is 4, so in order to complete its octet it can gain or lose 4 electrons to attain noble gas configuration and become stable. The carbon atom generally shares bond with it self that is bonded covalently with it self or to other elements in different arrangements. The carbon-carbon bond can be single, double or triple bond depending on the number of shared electrons between the two carbon atoms. This formation of 4 bonds by carbon allows for a variety of straight chain, branches and rings and also increases the number of organic molecules in nature.