Q. 2. What are the two properties of carbon which lead to the huge number of carbon compounds we see around us?
The two properties of carbon which lead to the formation of large number of carbon compounds are:
(1) Catenation: Carbon has the unique ability to form bonds with other atoms of carbon which gives rise to large molecules. The carbon-carbon bond is very strong and hence stable.
(2) Tetravalency: Since carbon has a valency of four, it is capable of bonding with four other atoms. These bonds that carbon forms with other elements are very strong making these compounds exceptionally stable.