Briefly explain the chemical properties of carbon.

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Detailed Solution

Carbon shows tetravalency, catenation, multiple bonding, combustion to CO₂/CO, and forms a vast range of organic compounds and inorganic carbides.

Tetravalency: Forms four bonds (sp³, sp², sp) with H, O, N, halogens, etc.
Catenation: Chains, rings, branches due to strong C–C bonds.
Multiple bonds: C=C, C≡C allow unsaturated compounds and reactivity.
Combustion: Burns to CO₂ (complete) or CO (limited O₂), releasing energy.
Oxides: CO₂ acidic oxide; CO a toxic, neutral oxide and ligand.
Allotropy: Diamond, graphite, graphene, fullerenes, nanotubes.
Substitution and addition reactions: Seen across hydrocarbons and derivatives.

These traits make carbon the backbone of organic chemistry and life.

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