Discover why carbon forms so many compounds through covalent bonding, explore the homologous series of alkanes, and meet common functional groups.
Carbon has 4 electrons in its outer shell, so it forms 4 covalent bonds by sharing electron pairs with other atoms — this is why carbon compounds are so varied.
In methane (CH₄), how many covalent bonds does the carbon atom form?
4 bonds — one to each of the 4 hydrogen atoms
Is a covalent bond formed by sharing electrons or by transferring them?
By sharing electrons (unlike ionic bonds, which transfer electrons)
Alkanes follow the general formula CₙH₂ₙ₊₂, each member differing from the next by one CH₂ unit.
| Name | Formula | n |
|---|---|---|
| Methane | CH₄ | 1 |
| Ethane | C₂H₆ | 2 |
| Propane | C₃H₈ | 3 |
| Butane | C₄H₁₀ | 4 |
Using CₙH₂ₙ₊₂, what is the formula for the alkane with n=5 (pentane)?
C₅H₁₂ (2×5+2=12)
A functional group is a specific group of atoms within a molecule that gives it characteristic chemical properties, regardless of the rest of the carbon chain.
Ethanol (C₂H₅OH) contains which functional group?
The −OH (hydroxyl/alcohol) group
Acetic acid (CH₃COOH) contains which functional group?
The −COOH (carboxylic acid) group
1. How many covalent bonds can a single carbon atom form?
2. Using CₙH₂ₙ₊₂, find the formula for hexane (n=6).
3. What is the difference between successive members of the alkane homologous series?
4. What functional group is present in methanol, CH₃OH?
5. Is diamond, a pure form of carbon, bonded ionically or covalently?