Question

Elements forming ionic compounds attain noble gas electronic configuration by either gaining or losing electrons from their valence shells. Explain giving reason why carbon cannot attain such a configuration in this manner to form its compounds. Name the type of bonds formed in ionic compounds and in the compounds formed by carbon. Also explain with reason why carbon compounds are generally poor conductors of electricity.

Answer 1

Carbon has 4 electrons in its outermost shell. It cannot lose 4 electrons to form C⁴⁺ because very high energy is required to remove 4 electrons.

lt cannot gain 4 electrons to form C^4- ions because it is difficult for 6 protons to hold on to 10 electrons.

(i) Ionic/Electrovalent Bonds.

(ii) Covalent bonds.

(iii) There are no charged particles in carbon compounds and hence poor conductors of electricity.