Question

What property allows carbon to form large molecules by bonding with itself?

• A. Valency
• B. Electronegativity
• C. Catenation
• D. Ionization

Hint:

Remember that carbon's ability to catenate is a key reason for the diversity and complexity of organic chemistry.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understand the structure and bonding of carbon.
Carbon has an atomic number of 6 and an electronic configuration of \(1s^2 2s^2 2p^2\). It has four valence electrons, allowing it to form four covalent bonds with other atoms.
Step 2: Analyze the given properties of carbon.

• 
  Valency:
  Carbon's valency of 4 enables it to form multiple bonds with other atoms, including other carbon atoms. While valency is necessary for bonding, it doesn't solely explain the formation of large molecules by self-linking.
• 
  Electronegativity:
  Carbon has a moderate electronegativity. Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract a shared pair of electrons towards itself in a covalent bond. While it influences the nature of the C-C bond, it's not the primary reason for forming large chains.
• 
  Catenation:
  Catenation is the ability of an element to form long chains or rings with itself through covalent bonds. Carbon exhibits a remarkable degree of catenation due to the strong covalent bonds it forms with other carbon atoms. This allows for the formation of a vast number of organic compounds with varying chain lengths and structures.
• 
  Ionization:
  Ionization is the process by which an atom or molecule acquires a positive or negative charge by gaining or losing electrons. Carbon typically forms covalent bonds rather than ions in organic molecules. Ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom, which is not directly related to the formation of large molecules through self-bonding.

Step 3: Identify the property responsible for the formation of large carbon molecules.
Catenation is the unique property of carbon that allows it to form long chains and rings by bonding with itself, leading to the existence of large and complex organic molecules.