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Multiple Choice
Which property of carbon allows it to form complex organic molecules?
A
High electronegativity
B
Presence of a lone pair of electrons
C
Ability to form four covalent bonds
D
Ability to form hydrogen bonds
Verified step by step guidance
1
Carbon is an element in Group 14 of the periodic table, which means it has four valence electrons.
The ability of carbon to form four covalent bonds is due to its tetravalency, allowing it to bond with up to four other atoms.
This tetravalency enables carbon to form a variety of complex structures, including chains, rings, and branches, which are the backbone of organic molecules.
Carbon's ability to form stable covalent bonds with other carbon atoms and with different elements like hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and more, contributes to the diversity of organic compounds.
Unlike high electronegativity or the presence of a lone pair, the ability to form four covalent bonds is the key property that allows carbon to create complex organic molecules.