Table of Contents
About Carbon and It’s Compounds
Carbon is the sixth element in the periodic table, with the symbol C. It is a naturally occurring, nonmetallic element that is found in many different forms, including coal, diamonds, and graphite. Carbon is the most common element in the Earth’s crust.
Carbon is a very versatile element and can form many different compounds. Some of the most common carbon compounds are carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and methane (CH4). Carbon is also an important part of the organic molecules that make up living things.
What is Carbon?
Carbon is a chemical element with symbol C and atomic number 6. It is nonmetallic and tetravalent—making four bonds with other atoms, including hydrogen. Carbon is the basis of all organic life and the most common element in the Earth’s crust.
Carbon Atom
Carbon atoms have six protons in their nucleus and six electrons orbiting around it. The electrons form three pairs, with each pair occupying one of the three electron shells that surround the nucleus. Carbon atoms can form covalent bonds with other atoms by sharing electrons. This allows them to form very complex molecules, such as the DNA molecule that carries the genetic information in all living cells.
Properties of Carbon Compounds
Organic chemistry is the study of carbon-containing compounds. There are many different types of carbon compounds, each with its own set of unique properties. Some of the most common properties of organic compounds include:
1. Solubility in water – Organic compounds are usually soluble in water, although there are a few exceptions. This is because water is a polar molecule, and organic molecules are also polar.
2. Reactivity – Organic molecules are highly reactive, due to the presence of carbon-hydrogen bonds. This makes them useful for a variety of purposes, including the production of plastics and other synthetic materials.
3. Structure – Organic molecules have a variety of different structures, which can be determined through chemical analysis. This structural diversity is one of the things that makes organic chemistry so interesting and complex.
4. Toxicity – Many organic compounds are toxic, and can cause serious health problems if ingested or inhaled. This is why it is important to handle organic chemicals with care.
Chemical Properties of Carbon Compounds
Carbon compounds can exist as gases, liquids, or solids, depending on the temperature and the pressure.
Carbon dioxide is a gas at standard temperature and pressure.
Carbon monoxide is a gas at standard temperature and pressure.
Carbon tetrachloride is a liquid at standard temperature and pressure.
Carbon black is a solid at standard temperature and pressure.
2. Oxidation
The process of oxidation is the loss of electrons. In other words, it is the chemical reaction that occurs when a substance is exposed to oxygen.
Some common oxidation reactions include the corrosion of metal, the browning of fruit, and the combustion of fuel.
3. Addition Reaction
In this type of reaction, an atom or molecule is added to a molecule or atom. In the simplest case, two molecules collide and combine to form a new molecule.
4. Decomposition Reaction
In this type of reaction, a molecule decomposes into two or more smaller molecules.
4. Substitution Reaction
A substitution reaction is a type of chemical reaction in which one atom or group of atoms in a molecule is replaced by another atom or group of atoms.
Uses of Carbon in Daily Life
In daily life, carbon can be found in numerous items that people use. Carbon can be found in pencils, where it is used to make the lead. Carbon can also be found in charcoal, which is used to make barbecue briquettes. Additionally, carbon is used to make the carbon fiber that is found in some bicycle frames and tennis rackets.
