Question

Attempt either option (A) or (B):

(A) (i) State any two reasons for carbon forming a large number of compounds. Why does carbon form compounds mainly by covalent bonds? (ii) Identify the compound which contains aldehyde as its functional group: $\text{C}_3\text{H}_7\text{OH}, \text{C}_3\text{H}_7\text{Cl}, \text{C}_2\text{H}_5\text{CHO}, \text{CH}_3\text{COCH}_3$

Accepted Answer

(i) Two reasons: Catenation and Tetravalency. Carbon forms covalent bonds because its small size and 4 valence electrons make losing $4e^-$ or gaining $4e^-$ energetically unfavorable; hence it shares electrons. (ii) The aldehyde compound is **$	ext{C}_2	ext{H}_5	ext{CHO}$** (propanal).

Carbon compound versatility and aldehyde identification

Explanation

Practise this under board exam conditions