2.1.1 Carbon Compound

1. Carbon is located in group 14. A carbon atom contains 6 electrons, therefore the electronic configuration is 2.4.
2. It has 4 valance electrons in the outermost orbital, as shown in the diagram.
3. In order to achieve a stable outer octet of electrons, it forms four covalent bonds.

Example

Methane

When a carbon atom combines with four hydrogen atoms, it forms a molecule of methane, CH₄

Ethane

If two carbon atoms join, each can still combine with three hydrogen atoms to form a molecule of ethane, C₂H₆.

Number of Bonds

Each carbon atom is tied to other atoms through four covalent bonds. All the four covalent bonds may exist in three forms as shown below:

Possesses just a single bond

Possesses a double bond

Possesses a triple bond

Carbon Compounds

Carbon compounds can be divided to:

1. Organic carbon compounds
2. Inorganic carbon compounds