Two key properties of carbon that lead to the diversity of organic compounds are:
- Catenation: The ability of carbon atoms to form long chains and rings with other carbon atoms.
- Tetravalency: Carbon has four valence electrons and can form four covalent bonds with other atoms (including other carbon atoms), leading to a variety of structures such as chains, branched chains, and rings.
MCQs Based on the above question
Question 1:
Which property of carbon allows it to form long chains and rings with other carbon atoms?
A) Tetravalency
B) Catenation
C) Electronegativity
D) Isomerism
Answer: B) Catenation
Question 2: What is the significance of carbon’s tetravalency in organic chemistry?
A) It allows carbon to form ionic bonds with metals.
B) It enables carbon to form four covalent bonds with other atoms.
C) It limits carbon to forming only double bonds.
D) It prevents carbon from forming rings.
Answer: B) It enables carbon to form four covalent bonds with other atoms.
Question 3: Which of the following is a direct result of carbon’s ability to catenate?
A) Carbon atoms can form different isotopes.
B) Carbon compounds can exhibit different colors.
C) The existence of a vast number of organic compounds with varying structures.
D) Carbon atoms have high electronegativity.
Answer: C) The existence of a vast number of organic compounds with varying structures.
Question 4: Due to carbon’s tetravalency, which of the following structures can carbon NOT form?
A) Straight chains
B) Branched chains
C) Rings
D) Ionic lattices
Answer: D) Ionic lattices