Carbon-Catenation

Four single covalent bonds ,

Catenation in Carbon 1 is shown in the figure.

b) A double bond and two single covalent bond s (C = C)

c) A single covalent bond and a triple bond (C ≡ C), or two double bonds (C = C = C) with its own atoms or
atoms of other elements to satisfy its tetra-valency.
This ability of carbon to form bonds in so many ways made it as versatile element in nature. Hence,
carbon’s ability
1) to form largest number of compounds

2) to show catenation

3) to form various types of bonds made it the versatile element.

Allotropic Forms of Carbon
The phenomenon by which an element can exist in more than one physical state is called allotropy.
Graphite
It is also a pure form of carbon. This allotrope of carbon is composed of flat two-dimensional layers of carbon atoms which
are arranged hexagonally. It is a soft, black and slippery solid.
Properties of Graphite:
1.Since the layers are stacked over each other, this carbon allotrope can act as a lubricant.
2.It also has metallic lustre which helps in the conduction of electricity. It is a very good conductor of both heat and
electricity.
Diamond
It is the purest crystalline allotrope of carbon. It has a number of carbons, linked together tetrahedrally. Each tetrahedral
unit consists of carbon bonded to four carbon atoms which are in turn bonded to other carbons. 
Physical Properties of Diamond:
It is extremely hard
It has a very high melting point
It has a high relative density
It is transparent to X-rays
It has a high value of the refractive index
Other Carbon Allotropes:
Buckminsterfullerene
Buckminsterfullerene (C60) is also one of the allotropes of carbon. The structure of fullerene is like in a cage shape due to
which it looks like a football.
Fullerenes
They are spheroidal molecules having the composition, C2n, where n ≥ 30. These carbon allotropes can be prepared by
evaporating graphite with a laser.
Unlike diamond, fullerenes dissolve in organic solvents. The fullerene C60 is called ‘Buckminster Fullerene’. The carbon
atoms are sp2 hybridized.
Physical and Chemical Properties of Carbon
Physical Properties of Carbon:
Carbon is a unique element. It occurs in many forms. Some examples of the pure form of carbon are coal and soot.
1.It is soft and dull grey or black in colour.
2.One of the most important compounds of carbon is the charcoal, which is formed when carbon is heated in the absence in of air.
3.It occurs in a number of allotropic forms. Allotropes are nothing but forms of an element with varying physical as well as chemical
properties.
4.The density of the different forms of carbon depends upon the origin of these elements.
Chemical Properties of Carbon:
1.Carbon compounds generally show 4 reactions, they are
Combustion reaction
Oxidation reaction,
Addition reactions
Substitution reaction.
As we all know that carbon in all forms needs oxygen, heat, and light and forms carbon dioxide.
When it is burned in air to give carbon dioxide, it is called as combustion.
When methane CH4 is burnt in the presence of oxygen it gives us carbon dioxide, heat, and light.