Carbon typically gains or shares electrons when forming bonds with other elements. This behavior is fundamental to carbon’s ability to create stable molecules, which is why it is central to organic chemistry.
In its most common oxidation state of -4, carbon gains four electrons to achieve a full outer shell. For instance, when carbon reacts with oxygen to form carbon dioxide, it shares electrons with oxygen atoms, allowing both elements to attain stable electron configurations.
On the other hand, carbon can also lose electrons, particularly in reactions with metals. In these cases, carbon may become oxidized, losing electrons and transitioning to a positive oxidation state.
Overall, whether carbon gains or loses electrons depends on the nature of the chemical reaction it is involved in, but it predominantly gains or shares electrons in organic compounds.