CHAPTER 4 – CARBON AND ITS COMPOUNDS

BONDING IN CARBON – THE COVALENT BOND

It has four electrons in its outermost shell and needs to gain or lose four electrons to attain noble gas
configuration.

(i) Gain four electrons forming C4- anion. Difficult for the nucleus with six protons to hold on to
ten electrons.
(ii) Lose four electrons forming C4+ cation. Require a large amount of energy to remove four
electrons.

COVALENT BONDING IN SIMPLE MOLECULES

Figure 4.1 – A molecule of Hydrogen

Figure 4.2 – Single bond between two hydrogen atoms

Figure 4.3 – Double bond between two oxygen atoms

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 Chapter 4: Carbon and its compounds

Figure 4.4 – Bond between two nitrogen atoms

COVALENT BOND AND COVALENT COMPOUNDS

Bonds which are formed by the sharing of an electron pair between two atoms are known as covalent
bonds. Covalently bonded molecules are seen to have strong bonds within the molecule, but inter-
molecular forces are weak. This gives rise to the melting and boiling points of these compounds. Since
the electrons are shared between atoms and no charged particles are formed. Such covalent compounds
are generally poor conductors of electricity.

Short Answer Questions

1. The self linkage property is maximum in

(a) Carbon
(b) Silicon
(c) Sulphur
(d) Phosphorus
2. Why are covalent compounds generally poor conductors of electricity?
3. Why are most carbon compounds poor conductors of electricity?
4. In electron dot structure, the valence shell electrons are represented by crosses or dots.
(i) The atomic number of chlorine is 17. Write its electronic configuration.
(ii) Draw the electron dot structure of chlorine molecule.
5. What is covalent bond? What type of bond exists I (i) CCl4 (ii) CaCl2 ?
6. Draw the electron dot structure of (i) nitrogen and (ii) water molecule.

Long Answer Questions

7. (a) State the reason why carbon can neither form C4+ cation nor C4- anion, but forms covalent
bonds. Also state reasons to explain why covalent compounds
(i) are bad conductors of electricity.
(ii) have low melting and boiling points.

(b) Write the structural formula of benzene, C6H6.

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 Chapter 4: Carbon and its compounds

8. What is methane? Draw its electron dot structure. Name the type of bonds formed in this
compound. Why are such compounds:
(i) Poor conductors of electricity? And
(ii) Have low melting and boiling points?
9. What are covalent compounds? How are they different from ionic compounds? List any two
properties of covalent compounds.
10. (a) Why most of the carbon compounds are poor conductor of electricity?
(b) Write the name and structure of a saturated compound in which the carbon atoms are
arranged in a ring. Give the number of single bonds present in this compound.

VERSATILE NATURE OF CARBON

(i) Carbon has the unique ability to form bonds with other atoms of carbon, giving rise to large
molecules. This property is called catenation.
(ii) Carbon has a valency of four. It is capable of bonding with four other atoms of carbons or
atoms of some other mono-valent element. Many other elements giving rise to compounds
with specific properties which depend on the elements other than carbon present in the
molecule.

Carbon also forms bonds with other elements such as halogens, oxygen, nitrogen and Sulphur. In a
hydrocarbon chain, one or more hydrogens can be replaced by these elements, such that the valency
of carbon remains satisfied. In such compounds, the element replacing hydrogen is referred to as a
heteroatom.

Short Answer Type Questions

11. Define catenation.

12. Which element exhibits the property of catenation to maximum extend and why?
13. What is methane? Draw its electron dot structure. Name the type of bonds formed in this
compound. Why are such compounds: (i) poor conductors of electricity and (ii) have low
melting and boiling points? What happens when this compound burns in oxygen.

HYDROCARBONS

Compounds containing mainly carbon and hydrogen.

ALKANES ( C-C )

Carbon compounds having singl bond between the carbon atoms.

General formula 𝐶𝑛 𝐻2𝑛+2 {n number of carbon atoms}

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 Chapter 4: Carbon and its compounds

No. of
Carbon Structure of Alkanes Molecular Formula
atoms
H

1 H C H 𝐶𝐻4

H
H H

2 H C C H 𝐶2 𝐻6

H H
H H H

3 H C C C H 𝐶3 𝐻8

H H H

ALKENES ( C = C )

Compounds containing a double bond in between the carbon atoms.

General formula 𝐶𝑛 𝐻2𝑛 , where n number of carbon atoms.

No. of
Carbon Structure Molecular formula
atoms
H H

2 C = C 𝐶2 𝐻4

H H
H H H

3 C = C C H 𝐶2 𝐻6

H H

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 Chapter 4: Carbon and its compounds

H H H H
4 C= C C C H 𝐶4 𝐻8
H H H

 Simplest Alkene is the one having 2 C atoms, since C=H does not exist.

ALKYNES ( H – C ≡ C - H)

Compounds having a triple bond in between the carbon atoms.

General formula 𝐶𝑛 𝐻2𝑛−2 , where n number of carbon atoms.

No. of
Carbon Structure Molecular Formula
atoms

2 H–C≡C–H 𝐶2 𝐻2

H
H–C≡C–C–H
3 𝐶3 𝐻4
H

H H
4 H–C≡C–C-C–H 𝐶4 𝐻6

H H

H H H
5 HC ≡ C – C – C – C H C5H8
H H H

SATURATED AND UNSATURATED COMPOUNDS

Saturated compounds containing only single bond.

Example: Alkanes.

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 Chapter 4: Carbon and its compounds

Unsaturated: Compounds containing double or triple bonds in them.

Example: Alkenes and Alkynes.

Hydrocarbon

Saturated Unsaturated

Alkanes Alkenes Alkynes

(Single bond) (Double bond) (Triple bond)

𝐶𝑛 𝐻2𝑛+2 𝐶𝑛 𝐻2𝑛 𝐶𝑛 𝐻2𝑛−2

NAMING (NOMENCLATURE) OF HYDROCARBONS

Points to be considered: -

(i) Number of Carbon atoms.

(ii) Nature of bond in between Carbon bonds.

Wordroots are selected based on the number of carbon atoms.

𝐶1 = Meth 𝐶6 = Hex

𝐶2 = Eth 𝐶7 = Hept

𝐶3 = Prop 𝐶8 = Oct

𝐶4 = But 𝐶9 = Non

𝐶5 = Pent 𝐶10 = Dec

Step 2: Nature of bond.

If all the bonds are single bonds, then it is an Alkane.

For Alkane :-

Name : Wordroot + ane

For example,

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 Chapter 4: Carbon and its compounds

H H H 3 Carbon atoms, Wordroot = Prop

H C C C H Name : Prop + ane = Propane

H H H

For Alkene:-

Name : Wordroot + ene

For example,

H H 2 Carbon atoms ,Wordroot = Eth

H C = C H Name: Eth + ene = Ethene

H H H H

C = C C C H But + ene = Butene

H H H

What will be the name of the compound?

H H H H H

C = C − C − C − C − H

H H H H

For Alkynes: -

Name : Wordroot + yne

For example,

H–C≡C–H Eth + yne = Ethyne

H H H

H–C≡C–C–C–C–H Pent + yne = Pentyne

H H H

FUNCTIONAL GROUPS AND HETEROATOMS

Heteroatoms: Element replacing hydrogen in a compound. Example: Oxygen, Sulphur, Halogens

(Chlorine, Fluorine, Bromine and Iodine)

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 Chapter 4: Carbon and its compounds

Functional Group:

Heteroatoms and group containing these confer specific properties to the compound. These groups
are called functional group.

Heteroatom Class of Compounds Formula of functional group

Cl/ Br Halo (Chloro/Bromo) -Cl , -Br
Oxygen 1. Alcohol -OH

2. Aldehyde H
-C
O
3. Ketone C

O
4. Carboxylic Acid
O

C OH

Short Answer Questions

14. Write the number of covalent bonds in the molecule of ethane.

15. The number of carbon compounds is more than those formed by all other elements put
together. Justify the statement by giving two reasons.
16. Write the molecular formula of the following compounds and draw their electron-dot
structures:
(i) Ethane
(ii) Ethene
(iii) Ethyne

Long Answer Questions

17. Why are certain compounds called hydrocarbons? Write the general formula for homologous
series of alkanes, alkenes and alkynes and also draw the structure of the first member of each
series.

HOMOLOGOUS SERIES

Series compounds having:

 Same functional group.

 Similar chemical properties.

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 Regular increase in physical properties.

 Successive numbers differ by - CH2 group.

ISOMERS

Compounds with same molecular formula, but different structure.

Example: For Butane (C4H10) there are two isomers.

CH3

CH3 CH CH3 CH3 CH 2 CH2 CH3

Isobutane Butane

For Pentane ( C5H12), there are three isomers.

CH3

CH3 CH2 CH2 CH2 CH3 CH3 CH2 CH CH3

Pentane Iso Pentane

CH3
CH3 C CH3
CH3

Neopentane

Short Answer Questions

18. Write the molecular formula of first two members of homologous series having functional
group -Br.
19. Write the molecular formula of the 2nd and 3rd member of the homologous series whose first
member is ethene.
20. Write the name and formula of the 2nd member of homologous series having general formula
CnH2n.
21. Write the molecular formula of the 2nd member of the homologous series where the first
member is ethyne.
22. What is homologous series of carbon compounds?
23. Write the next homologue of each of the following:
(i) C2H4 (ii) C4H6
24. Select saturated hydrocarbons from the followings:
C3H6, C5H10, C4H10, C6H14, C2H4

Long Answer Questions

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 Chapter 4: Carbon and its compounds

25. What is homologous series of carbon compounds? Give an example and list its three
characteristics?
26. Name the cyclic unsaturated carbon compound.
27. The general formula for alkene is:
(a) CnH2n (b) CnH2n+2 (c) CnH2n-2 (d) CnH2n+1
28. What is the molecular formula of the 5th member of the homologous series of carbon
compounds is represented by the general formula CnH2n+1OH?

(a) C5H10 (b) C5H11OH (d) C5H12OH (d) C5H11CHO

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 Chapter 4: Carbon and its compounds

ANSWERS

1. (a) Carbon
2.
3. Most carbon compounds are covalently bonded compounds. Covalent compounds do not form
ions and so these compounds cannot conduct electricity.
4. (i) K , L , M
2 ,8, 7
(ii)

5. The chemical bonds formed between two atoms by the sharing of electrons between them is
knowns as a covalent bond. The sharing of electrons between the two atoms takes place in such
a way that both the atoms acquire stable electronic configuration of their nearest noble gas.
(i) CCl4 – Covalent bond
(ii) CaCl2 – Ionic bond.
6.
7. (a) Carbon has a tetravalency but can’t gain or lose electrons because-
1) If it gains 4 electrons it will C-4 negative charge. It is very difficult for 4 protons to
hold onto 8 electrons and it becomes unstable.
2) If it loses 4 electrons, it requires a lot of energy to lose it which it can’t afford and
again becomes unstable.
(i) Covalent bonds are formed by sharing of electrons and share them as molecules. So no
transfer of electrons or involvement of one takes place.
Since ions are responsible for conducting electricity and they do not have free ions. So
they are bad conductors of electricity.
e.g., CCl4, H2 , CH4..etc.
(ii) Since the molecules of 2 different elements share electrons, they have weak forces of
attraction and weak electrostatic forces due to which their bond can be broken easily.
The bonds are strong within the molecule but inter ionic bonds are weak making them
have low melting and boiling points. E.g., Naphthalene has a melting point of about 80℃.

(b) Benzene – C6H6

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 Chapter 4: Carbon and its compounds

H C C H

H C C H

8. Methane is a carbon compound which is widely used as a fuel and is a major component of
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and biogas. Its formula is CH4.
Electron dot structure of methane :

The type of bonds formed in methane is covalent bond.

(i) The bond is formed by sharing of electrons so no charged particles are formed. As
no charged particles are present in conduct electric current, they are poor conductors
of electricity.
(ii) Covalency bonded molecules have weak intermolecular forces of attraction. So, they
have low melting and boiling points.
9. The compounds that are formed due to sharing of electrons between two atoms/compounds
having covalent bonds.
Ionic compounds are formed due to transfer of electrons from one atom to another/compounds
having ionic bonds/ compounds having attraction between oppositely charged ions.
(i) They are poor conductors of electricity.
(ii) They have low melting and boiling point.
10. (a) Carbon compounds form covalent bonds/ do not dissociate into ions/do not have charged
particles (ions)/ do not have free electrons.
(b) Cyclohexane

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Total number of single bonds = 18

(OR any other cycloalkane with corresponding number of bonds)
11. The property of self-linking of atoms of an element through covalent bonds in order to form
straight chain, branched chains or cyclic chains of different size is called catenation.
12. Carbon, due to strong C-C bond.
13.
 CH4/Simplest hydrocarbon

 Covalent bonds
(i) No ions or charged particles are formed
(ii) Due to weak covalent bonds.
 Carbon dioxide and water are produced/
CH4 + 2O2 CO2 + 2H2O
14. Seven covalent bonds.
15. (i) Due to self thinking ability of carbon/catenation.
(ii) Since carbon has a valency of four it can form bonds with four other atoms of carbon or atoms
of some other monovalent element.
(iii) Due to small size of carbon it forms very strong and (or) stable bonds with other elements.
16. (i)Ethane : C2H6

17. The hydrocarbons are the compounds that consist of carbon and hydrogen. The alkanes are
known as the saturated hydrocarbon as they have compounds of carbon that are single bonded

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and has the general formula CnH2n+2. Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons and are made up of
compounds of carbon that are double bonded and has the general formula CnH2n. alkynes are also
unsaturated hydrocarbons that are made up of compounds of carbon that are triple bonded and
have a general formula CnH2n-2. The structure of the first members of each series are as follows:
H
H C H H C C H
H M H H Ethene
The hydrogenation reaction is a reaction that helps in converting unsaturated hydrocarbons to
the saturated hydrocarbon. The conversation of alkenes to alkane is an example of hydrogenation
reaction.
R R R R
C C + H2 Ni/Pd R C C R
R R H H
Alkene Alkane
18. CH3Br, C2H3Br
19. C3H6 and C4H8
20. Name : Propene
Formula : C3H6
21. C3H4, C4H6.
22. A homologous series is the family of organic compound having the same functional group, and
the successive (adjacent) members of which differ by CH2 unit or 14 atomic mass unit.
23. (i) C3H6 (ii) C5H8
24. C4H10, C6H14
25. A series of compounds in which the same functional group substitutes for hydrogen in a carbon
chain is called a homologous series.
Example: Alkane/Alkene/Alkyne/ Alcohol or any other one correct example.
Characteristics:
(i) They have same general formula.
(ii) They have same functional group.
(iii) The difference in the molecular mass of two successive members is 14u.
(iv) The difference in the molecular formula of two successive members is of CH4 unit.
(v) They have similar chemical properties.
26. Benzene.
27. Option A is correct.
Explanation: The General formula for alkenes are CnH2n , where n = number of carbon atoms.
C2H4, C3H6, C4H8.

28. Option (b) is correct.

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