why is carbon atom a good mixer in organic compounds?

Answer 1

electrons in the last orbit of c12 atom are balanced in an almost perfect circle hence it can form a stable molecule with another c12 atom hence carbon has a peculiar property of forming indefinitely long chains called catenation.

Answer 2

Organic compounds are generally covalently bonded. This allows for unique structures such as long carbon chains and rings. The reason carbon is excellent at forming unique structures and that there are so many carbon compounds is that carbon atoms form very stable covalent bonds with one another (catenation). In contrast to inorganic materials, organic compounds typically melt, boil, sublimate, or decompose below 300°C. Neutral organic compounds tend to be less soluble in water compared to many inorganic salts, with the exception of certain compounds such as ionic organic compounds and low molecular weight alcohols and carboxylic acids where hydrogen bonding occurs.

Organic compounds tend rather to dissolve in organic solvents which are either pure substances like ether or ethyl alcohol, or mixtures, such as the paraffinic solvents such as the various petroleum ethers and white spirits, or the range of pure or mixed aromatic solvents obtained from petroleum or tar fractions by physical separation or by chemical conversion. Solubility in the different solvents depends upon the solvent type and on the functional groups if present. Solutions are studied by the science of Physical Chemistry. Like inorganic salts, organic compounds may also form crystals. Unique property of carbon in organic compounds is that its valency does not always have to be taken up by atoms of other elements, and when it is not, a condition termed unsaturation results. In such cases we talk about carbon carbon double bonds or triple bonds. Double bonds alternating with single in a chain are called conjugated double bonds. An aromatic structure is a special case in which the conjugated chain is a closed ring.

Answer 3

It is a unique atom, it has 4 poles, it can attract other different or similar new 4 atoms like O, H, Cl, F,..... with simple bonds so, it can mix atoms in one compound such as CH4 gas, or, weak or strong acids i.e. CH3COOH liquid or, solid material such as white stone Ca-carbonate....

by Samer M - MSc in chemical Eng.

Answer 4

It has a valency of four so it can combine with up to four other atoms at once. The closest chemical substitute to carbon is silicon but silicon atoms don't form chains as easily.

Answer 5

because carbon is a base of organic chemistry without carbon all compounds falls under inorganic chemistry

Answer 6

All organic compound have C as the center or they are not organic compounds by definition.

Answer 7

Has plenty of free electrons.

Answer 8

Carbon can chelate, that is it can form chains.