Why carbon does not react with hydrochloric acid?

Answer 1

Carbon bonds are abnormally stable; and therefore cannot be broken easily. At low temperatures, carbon isn't likely to react with other elements. Take a glance at your reactivity series, and note how low on the scale it is. Simply put: Carbon isn't reactive enough to produce a reaction with Hydrochloric Acid.

Answer 2

Carbon is a non-metal and is generally unreactive with hydrochloric acid because it lacks the necessary electrons to form stable ionic or covalent bonds with the hydrogen and chlorine ions in the acid. Additionally, carbon is stable in its elemental form and does not readily participate in redox reactions with hydrochloric acid.

Answer 3

Certain forms of hydrocarbons do of course, but the element needs 4 covalent bonds, this can't be achieved too favourably with the element only