Chapter 8, Problem 72QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The number of bonds that carbon can form in different configurations is to be discussed.

Concept Introduction:

The electronic configuration of carbon is $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^2$ . It has four valence electrons in its valence shell, and it requires four electrons to complete its octet. The carbon atom usually completes its octet by sharing electrons and it does not have the tendency to form ${\text{C}}^{+4}$ or ${\text{C}}^{4-}$ .