Question

The property of carbon element responsible for a large number of organic compounds is :

• A. Allotropy
• B. Catenation
• C. Hybridisation
• D. None of these

Hint:

Carbon is special because it can link to itself to form long chains and rings. This self-linking ability is called {catenation}. Think of it like carbon atoms holding hands with many other carbon atoms to build complex skeletons for molecules. This, along with its ability to form four bonds (tetravalency), allows for millions of different organic compounds.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Carbon is unique in its ability to form a vast number of compounds. This is due to specific properties of the carbon atom. Step 1: Key Properties of Carbon leading to many compounds \begin{enumerate} % Option (q) Catenation: This is the ability of an element to form long chains and rings by bonding to itself. Carbon exhibits catenation to a remarkable extent, forming stable carbon-carbon bonds. These chains and rings can be of various lengths and structures (straight, branched). % Option (r) Tetravalency: Carbon has four valence electrons, allowing it to form four covalent bonds with other atoms (including other carbon atoms or atoms of different elements like hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, halogens). % Option (s) Ability to form multiple bonds: Carbon can form single (\(C-C\)), double (\(C=C\)), and triple (\(C \equiv C\)) bonds with itself and other elements, further increasing the variety of possible structures. % Option (t) Isomerism: The ability of compounds with the same molecular formula to exist in different structural arrangements, leading to different properties. This is enabled by carbon's bonding versatility. The question asks for {the} property responsible for a {large number} of organic compounds. While tetravalency and multiple bonding are essential, catenation is the primary reason for the sheer number and diversity of carbon chains and rings that form the backbone of organic molecules. Step 2: Analyzing the options
(1) Allotropy: This is the property of some chemical elements to exist in two or more different forms (allotropes) in the same physical state. For example, carbon exists as diamond, graphite, fullerenes, etc. While carbon shows allotropy, this property itself doesn't explain the vast number of {different organic compounds} (which involve carbon bonded to other elements as well).
(2) Catenation: This self-linking property of carbon to form long chains, branched chains, and rings is a fundamental reason for the immense diversity and large number of organic compounds.
(3) Hybridisation (\(sp^3, sp^2, sp\)): This is a concept that explains the geometry and bonding of carbon atoms (e.g., tetrahedral, trigonal planar, linear shapes). Hybridisation enables carbon to form its diverse bonds and structures, supporting catenation and tetravalency, but catenation is the more direct answer to "property responsible for a large number."
(4) None of these: Incorrect, as catenation is a key property. Step 3: Identifying the primary property Catenation is the most direct and significant property of carbon that accounts for the formation of a vast number of organic compounds.