Introduction to Carbon Compounds
Carbon is a very different and surprising element. The symbol of carbon is 'C' while its atomic number is 6. It is a non-metallic tetravalent element. The electronic configuration of carbon in K and L shells is 2,4. So, it has four valence electrons. Therefore, its valency is also 4, so it enters into covalent bonding with other elements by sharing electrons. Having a valency of four, carbon is one of the most versatile elements. Carbon has a unique property of direct bonding between atoms of the same element to form long chains, to form branches, or to form close structures. This property is known as catenation. No wonder, it can form an almost infinite number of compounds, most of which are chemically organic in nature.
These special properties and behaviour exhibited by carbon, coupled with the fact that it can form an infinite number of compounds led to the emergence of a different branch of chemistry, called organic chemistry.
However, the reactions that these compounds undergo are limited. Some important reactions are discussed here.
Combustion (Burning of Carbon Compound in Air)
Carbon and its compounds burn in the presence of oxygen or air to give carbon dioxide, water vapours, and energy. This process of burning carbon compounds in excess of oxygen to give heat and light is called a combustion reaction.
Example:-
1) C + O2 ---------> CO2 + Energy
2) C2H5OH + 3O2 ----------> CO2 + 3H2O + Energy
3) CH4 + O2 ----------> CO2 + H2O + Energy
Most carbon compounds are good fuels. Due to combustion in the presence of oxygen, we will get a clean bluish flame with saturated hydrocarbons. This will be in the case of complete combustion. If there is an incomplete combustion of saturated hydrocarbons due to lack of oxygen, a sooty flame will be observed. On the other hand, we will get a yellow flame with smoke in the case of unsaturated hydrocarbons. The important point to be noted here is that complete combustion of carbon compounds yields CO2 gas as the product. However, in the case of incomplete combustion, CO (carbon monoxide) is formed. CO is a poisonous gas that has a great affinity to haemoglobin in the blood. It combines with haemoglobin to form a compound called carboxyhemoglobin. It prevents oxygen from reaching the body cells. This condition is fatal and can lead to the death of a person, also known as carbon monoxide poisoning.
Oxidation (Addition of Oxygen)
Oxidation can be defined as the addition of oxygen to a molecule or the removal of hydrogen from a molecule. This can change the particular functional group of a compound. Combustion is generally an oxidation reaction, but all oxidation reactions are not combustion reactions. Oxidation of alcohols produces carboxylic acid in the presence of oxidizing agents.
For Example: Ethanol, on oxidation in the presence of an oxidising agent will form ethanal (an aldehyde). As the oxidation continues, ethanal will get changed to ethanoic acid.
What is an Oxidizing Agent?
An oxidizing agent is a substance that oxidizes other substances(adds oxygen to or removes hydrogen from other compounds) while itself getting reduced. Potassium permanganate and acidified potassium dichromate are examples of strong oxidizing agents.
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Addition Reaction
Unsaturated organic compounds
Containing multiple bonds(=,≡)
Containing multiple bonds(=,≡) react with hydrogen to form saturated organic compounds in the presence of catalysts. This is known as the addition reaction.
CH2=CH2 + H2 ------> CH3- CH3
(ethene) (ethane)
For Example:
Hydrogenation of vegetable oils is a process in which hydrogen is added to unsaturated oils and gives fats(saturated) in the presence of Ni as a catalyst. Although oil, being unsaturated, is better for health than fat, the disadvantage is that it cannot be preserved for a long time.
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Substitution Reaction
A reaction in which a less reactive atom or a group of atoms in an organic molecule gets replaced by another more reactive atom or group of atoms is called a substitution reaction. It is a type of single displacement reaction.
The saturated hydrocarbons are chemically least reactive. They are also called paraffins, provided the fact that they have no or little affinity towards a chemical change. Reactions of saturated hydrocarbons in the presence of sunlight with chlorine is an example of a substitution reaction.
Being a halogen, chlorine is more reactive and has the ability to displace the hydrogen atom.
For Example- Methane reacts with chlorine in the presence of sunlight. Hydrogen atoms of methane are replaced by chlorine atoms to form methyl chloride. Also, when methyl chloride reacts with chlorine in the presence of sunlight, the same reaction goes on to form methylene chloride.
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Did You Know?
Why does the bottom of some vessels gets blackened after some time?
Sometimes, it is observed that the bottom of vessels gets blackened because of incomplete combustion of gas due to blockage in the burner's nozzle. Due to this, there is an insufficient supply of oxygen.
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Tips to Study Chemical Properties of Carbon Compounds
Understanding and learning amazing facts about one of the surprising elements— Carbon was made easier with the above content.
Students were able to discover the chemical properties of Carbon Compounds and also enhance their understanding of the concept using different examples of related reactions.
Let us now understand some of the learning hacks that can help the students ace their learning.
Reorganize your action plan
The most important part of any student’s study routine is having an action plan. Students shall understand that anything without a plan is and will remain a dream. To achieve a goal, it is important to push yourself to take action and for that, it is best suggested to make a proper plan that has time constraints so that each of the targets can fuel you to take action.
Make flowcharts
Flowcharts are your best friends for last-minute revisions. As students, whenever you’re trying to make learning less stressful and less time-consuming, you shall always refer to flowcharts or diagrams to revise the entire concept at once. Since flowcharts are an important part of visual learning, it is scientifically proven that studying through such ways helps you understand and memorize better.
Use examples and mnemonics
The secret ingredient which students shall use to enhance their learning and memorise everything they learn is by using different examples and mnemonics. This makes the process of learning more interesting and effective. It is proven that when you understand with examples, you tend to remember things for a longer duration and this, in turn, increases your retention powers.
Highlighted notes
Students shall adopt the habit of making highlighted notes so that they can be used to take a quick overview of any particular topic. It can also be referred to during the examination days as it gives you a glimpse of a chapter. This process can surely help you upraise your preparation and since it is an example of visual learning, the results could surprise you!
Teach and ask yourself
Self-assessment is one of the most trusted and effective methods when it comes to amplifying the preparation and that is why it is important to assess yourself regularly. Also, when you teach yourself, you tend to learn better and it helps to instill confidence. Hence, students are advised to follow such techniques to boost their revision strategies.
Speak out loud while revisions
This might sound hilarious to a lot of you but this can help you in incredible ways. When you consider its scientific quotient, this strategy can help you memorize concepts better. Students might consider this technique that whenever they’re revising a topic, they shall pretend to teach others and speak louder so that they subconsciously retain things.
Understandably, when you’ve mountains of work to do, getting into the procrastination zone is not something unusual. You need to be able to push these mind-blocking thoughts away because ultimately, it does nothing other than decrease your productivity levels.
There would certainly be many times when it would simply seem very tough to do what you’re required to do but when you choose to adopt a never-give-up attitude, nothing would be unreachable. Apart from this, you shall also understand that facing challenges is just a part of the journey and it would only help you grow. So, you better try to face them and not escape.
FAQs on Chemical Properties of Carbon Compounds
1. What are the main chemical properties of carbon compounds as per the CBSE Class 10 syllabus?
According to the CBSE Class 10 syllabus for the 2025-26 session, the primary chemical properties of carbon compounds that students need to understand are:
- Combustion: The process of burning carbon compounds in air to produce carbon dioxide, water, heat, and light.
- Oxidation: The controlled addition of oxygen to convert a compound, such as an alcohol, into a carboxylic acid using an oxidising agent.
- Addition Reaction: The reaction where atoms are added across a double or triple bond in an unsaturated hydrocarbon to make it saturated, typically using a catalyst.
- Substitution Reaction: A reaction where an atom or group in a saturated hydrocarbon is replaced by another atom, for instance, replacing hydrogen with a halogen.
2. What happens during the combustion of carbon compounds?
Combustion is a reaction where a carbon compound burns in the presence of oxygen. In complete combustion, which occurs with a sufficient oxygen supply, the products are carbon dioxide (CO₂), water (H₂O), heat, and light, often resulting in a clean, blue flame. In incomplete combustion, due to insufficient oxygen, the reaction produces carbon monoxide (CO), water, and soot (unburnt carbon), resulting in a yellow, sooty flame.
3. Why does a sooty flame appear when unsaturated carbon compounds burn, while saturated ones give a clean flame?
This difference arises from the carbon-to-hydrogen ratio. Unsaturated compounds like alkenes and alkynes have a higher percentage of carbon compared to their saturated counterparts (alkanes). During burning, the limited oxygen supply is not enough to completely burn all the carbon atoms. These unburnt carbon particles get heated, glow, and produce a yellow, sooty flame. In contrast, saturated compounds have a lower carbon percentage and burn more efficiently, leading to complete combustion and a clean, non-sooty flame.
4. What is an addition reaction in the context of carbon compounds? Give an example.
An addition reaction is a characteristic property of unsaturated hydrocarbons (those with double or triple bonds). In this reaction, a molecule is added across the multiple bond, breaking the pi (π) bond and forming a new saturated compound. For example, in the hydrogenation of ethene, hydrogen gas is added across the double bond in the presence of a catalyst like nickel or palladium to produce ethane, a saturated hydrocarbon.
CH₂=CH₂ (Ethene) + H₂ → CH₃-CH₃ (Ethane)
5. Why are addition reactions characteristic of unsaturated hydrocarbons but not saturated ones?
Unsaturated hydrocarbons possess weak pi (π) bonds in their double or triple bonds, which can be easily broken to allow new atoms to be added to the carbon chain. This makes them chemically reactive in a way that facilitates addition. In contrast, saturated hydrocarbons like alkanes only have strong sigma (σ) bonds. These bonds are very stable and require a significant amount of energy to break, making it difficult for them to undergo addition reactions. Instead, they undergo substitution reactions where atoms are replaced rather than added.
6. How is an oxidation reaction different from a combustion reaction?
While all combustion reactions are a form of rapid oxidation, not all oxidation reactions are combustion. The key difference lies in the control and energy released. Combustion is a fast, self-sustaining oxidation process that releases a large amount of heat and light (it is highly exothermic). Oxidation, in a broader chemical sense, can be a slow, controlled process that does not necessarily produce a flame. For example, converting ethanol to ethanoic acid using an oxidising agent like alkaline KMnO₄ is a controlled oxidation, not combustion.
7. What is a substitution reaction in carbon chemistry?
A substitution reaction is a chemical reaction primarily seen in saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes). During this reaction, one or more hydrogen atoms bonded to a carbon atom are replaced or 'substituted' by another atom or a group of atoms, typically a halogen like chlorine or bromine. This reaction often requires energy in the form of sunlight or UV light to initiate. For example, when methane (CH₄) reacts with chlorine (Cl₂) in the presence of sunlight, a hydrogen atom is substituted by a chlorine atom to form chloromethane (CH₃Cl).
8. What is an esterification reaction and what are its products used for?
Esterification is the process in which a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst (like concentrated H₂SO₄) to form an ester and water. Esters are known for their characteristic sweet, fruity smells. Due to this property, they are widely used in various industries for:
- Creating artificial flavours and essences for food products like ice creams, sweets, and cold drinks.
- Manufacturing perfumes and cosmetic products.
- The reverse reaction, known as saponification, is used to make soap.
