Each carbon atom can form four covalent bonds. This ability is due to carbon’s unique electron configuration, which contains four electrons in its outer shell. These four electrons allow carbon to share electrons with other atoms, fulfilling the octet rule and creating stable molecules.
When carbon bonds with other elements, it can make various types of compounds. For instance, in organic chemistry, carbon’s capacity to bond with itself and with a variety of other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen leads to a vast diversity of chemical structures. This tetravalency (ability to form four bonds) is fundamental to the formation of complex molecules like proteins, DNA, and carbohydrates.
In summary, the ability of carbon to form four covalent bonds is critical in the chemistry of life, enabling the construction of diverse and complex molecules essential for biological functions.