What are Carbon and Its Compounds Definition Types Bonding and Reactions
The chemistry of Carbon and its compounds is an interesting study. If we compare diamond and charcoal, one is an attractive, shiny, hard rock, whereas the other is an ashy, black, and soft substance. However, both these are carbon elements! Their varied properties are only because of the different arrangements of the carbon atoms.
The entire field of organic chemistry is based on carbon and the bonds it forms. The study of chemical carbon and its compounds is undoubtedly essential for understanding the elements available around us. In general, carbon compounds are organic.
What is Carbon?
The computer/mobile screen on which we are reading this concept, the clothes that we are wearing, the cars we ride, and even the food we eat all have one thing in common. What is this one thing? All these are composed of some elements of carbon, even in a negligible count. All organic things are made up of carbon. This is why the study of science carbon and its compounds is essential for everyone.
The name 'carbon' originated from the Latin word 'carbo' which means charcoal. This may be a surprise to us, but it is the fourth most abundant element to that of the entire universe And the second most abundant element in our bodies (the first being oxygen). As a piece of fact, all organic substances present in the world contain carbon in at least some form or element, which is why it is the base for the entire organic chemistry branch.
Carbon Atom
Carbon's atomic number is 6, which denotes the number of electrons. Carbon is a non-metal and is represented by the symbol C. It has protons, neutrons, and electrons, all with a count of 6 each. A carbon atom is considered to be unique and special because it can bond with other carbon atoms to an almost unlimited degree. This is because its atom is too small in size and can fit in as a part of larger molecules conveniently. In its outer shell, each of its atoms has four electrons called valence electrons and can form chemical bonds with molecules and other atoms.
Properties of Carbon Compounds
The physical and chemical properties of carbon and its compounds are given below. Let us have a look at them briefly.
Physical Properties of Carbon Compounds
Carbon's physical properties vary according to its allotropes. The two significant allotropes are graphite and diamond. Almost both of these have opposing physical properties.
Diamond is transparent with no colour, and graphite is black and opaque
Graphite is soft and spongy in texture and diamond is the hardest substance known to man
Now graphite is a perfect conductor of electricity, and diamond cannot conduct electricity at all
Both allotropic elements are non-gaseous and solid
Also both graphite and diamond are insoluble in water
It sublimes which is it turns to gaseous form; it does not melt when heated
Chemical Properties of Carbon Compounds
The critical chemical properties of carbon compounds are given below.
1. Combustion
The carbon compound undergoes a combustion reaction to form CO2 and H2O with the evolution of light and heat.
CH4 +O2 > CO2 + 2O + light and heat
2. Oxidation
alk.KMnO4/Δ
CH3CH2OH ⟶ CH3COOH
(ethanol) (ethanoic acid)
The substance which is used for oxidation is known as an oxidising agent.
For example, acidified K2Cr2O7, alkaline KMnO4.
3. Addition Reaction
Unsaturated hydrocarbons (alkynes and alkenes) undergo an additional reaction in the presence of catalysts. An example of a similar reaction is given below.
alk.KMnO4/Δ
CH3CH2OH ⟶ CH3COOH
(ethanol) (ethanoic acid)
4. Substitution Reaction
Saturated hydrocarbons provide a substitution reaction. For example, methane in the presence of sunlight undergoes chlorination.
Uses of Carbon in Daily Life
Some of the most important uses of carbon are:
Carbon makes up 18% of the human body. The food we eat contains a vital energy source called carbohydrates, which are elements of carbon. Sugar, glucose and proteins found in our body are all made of it.
Hydrocarbons, extracted naturally as fossil fuels like oil, coal, and natural gas, are used as fuel. Some of the hydrocarbons are used as a feedstock for the petrochemical industries to produce polymers, paints, fibres, solvents and plastics.
Amorphous carbon is used in the making of paints, inks and batteries.
Impure carbon in the form of charcoal and coke is used in metal smelting in the iron and steel industries.
Graphite is used in pencils, brushes in electric motors, furnace linings and steel production.
Activated charcoal is used for purification and filtration, and can be found in respirators.
Carbon fibre is used as a strong, yet lightweight material, in tennis rackets, fishing rods, skis, and even rockets and aeroplanes.
Carbon in diamond form is used in jewellery. Diamonds are the hardest substance known to man, and so industrial diamonds are used to cut rocks and conduct drilling. Also, diamond films are used in razor blades, to protect surfaces.
Carbon nanotubes, fullerenes and atom-thin graphene sheets are used in the electronics industry and nanotechnology.
Carbon is used in carbon dating, a process used by scientists to measure the age of things. Scientists use the rare carbon form, Carbon-14, to measure the age of fossils, bones and other things.
FAQs on Carbon and Its Compounds Complete Guide for Students
1. What is carbon and why is it important in chemistry?
Carbon is a tetravalent non-metal element with atomic number 6 that forms the backbone of all organic compounds. It is important in chemistry because:
- It has a valency of 4, allowing it to form four covalent bonds.
- It shows catenation, meaning it can bond with other carbon atoms to form long chains and rings.
- It forms millions of organic compounds such as hydrocarbons, alcohols, and polymers.
- It exists in different allotropes like diamond, graphite, and fullerenes.
2. What are the main allotropes of carbon?
The main allotropes of carbon are diamond, graphite, and fullerenes, each having a different structure and properties.
- Diamond: Each carbon atom is bonded to four others in a tetrahedral structure; it is very hard and does not conduct electricity.
- Graphite: Each carbon atom is bonded to three others in layers; it is soft and conducts electricity due to free electrons.
- Fullerenes (e.g., C60): Carbon atoms form hollow cage-like structures.
3. What is catenation in carbon compounds?
Catenation is the property of carbon to form covalent bonds with other carbon atoms, resulting in long chains or rings.
- Carbon–carbon bonds are strong and stable.
- It can form straight chains, branched chains, and cyclic structures.
- Example: In ethane (C2H6), two carbon atoms are bonded together.
4. What are covalent bonds in carbon compounds?
Covalent bonds in carbon compounds are chemical bonds formed by the sharing of electron pairs between carbon and other atoms.
- Carbon has four valence electrons and needs four more to complete its octet.
- It shares electrons with atoms like hydrogen, oxygen, or other carbon atoms.
- Example: In methane (CH4), carbon shares one electron with each hydrogen atom.
5. What are hydrocarbons and what are their types?
Hydrocarbons are organic compounds that contain only carbon and hydrogen atoms.
- Alkanes: Saturated hydrocarbons with single bonds (e.g., methane, CH4).
- Alkenes: Unsaturated hydrocarbons with at least one double bond (e.g., ethene, C2H4).
- Alkynes: Unsaturated hydrocarbons with at least one triple bond (e.g., ethyne, C2H2).
6. What is the general formula of alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes?
The general formulas are CnH2n+2 for alkanes, CnH2n for alkenes, and CnH2n-2 for alkynes.
- Alkanes (single bonds): Example, for n = 2 → C2H6 (ethane).
- Alkenes (one double bond): For n = 2 → C2H4 (ethene).
- Alkynes (one triple bond): For n = 2 → C2H2 (ethyne).
7. What is homologous series in carbon compounds?
A homologous series is a family of organic compounds with the same functional group and similar chemical properties, differing by a –CH2– unit.
- They have the same general formula.
- Successive members differ by 14 u in molecular mass.
- Example: Methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8).
8. What happens during the combustion of carbon and hydrocarbons?
During combustion, carbon or hydrocarbons react with oxygen to form carbon dioxide, water, and release heat energy.
- Complete combustion of carbon: C(s) + O2(g) → CO2(g)
- Complete combustion of methane: CH4(g) + 2O2(g) → CO2(g) + 2H2O(l)
- Incomplete combustion forms carbon monoxide (CO).
9. What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated carbon compounds?
Saturated carbon compounds contain only single covalent bonds, while unsaturated compounds contain at least one double or triple bond.
- Saturated hydrocarbons: Alkanes like ethane (C2H6).
- Unsaturated hydrocarbons: Alkenes (C=C) and alkynes (C≡C), such as ethene (C2H4).
- Unsaturated compounds undergo addition reactions more readily.
10. What are some important uses of carbon and its compounds?
Carbon and its compounds are widely used as fuels, materials, and industrial chemicals.
- Fuels: Methane (CH4), petrol, diesel.
- Diamond: Used in cutting and drilling tools.
- Graphite: Used in electrodes and lubricants.
- Carbon dioxide (CO2): Used in fire extinguishers and carbonated drinks.
- Organic compounds: Used in plastics, medicines, and synthetic fibers.
