Versatile Nature Of Carbon

Saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes) contain only single bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated hydrocarbons (alkenes and alkynes) contain double or triple bonds.

Catenation allows carbon to form long chains, branched chains, and rings, which are the basis for many organic compounds found in nature and industry.

Carbon’s versatility arises from its ability to form stable covalent bonds with itself and other elements. Its tetravalency and capacity for catenation lead to an immense variety of compounds.