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Carbon has a valency of 4, meaning that each atom of carbon can bind to 4 other atoms. This means that a carbon atom can have 3 functional groups of different atoms/molecules and still have a free space for ANOTHER carbon, which can itself have 3 spaces for various different molecules etc etc etc
the result is that carbon allows the formation of hugely long complicated molecules with very specific properties and uses
short answer carbon gives the ability to have almost unlimited types of molecules
the only other element that could possibly fulfil this function could be silicon - hence exobiologists reckon that on some planets, life could arise based not on carbon but on silicon
What else can I help you with?
What does it mean to say that the chemistry of life is based upon geometry?
This is an uncertain affirmation although the stereochemistry of organic compounds is very important.
Are inorganic compounds soluble in organic solvents?
In general, inorganic compounds are not very soluble in organic solvents. This is because organic solvents are primarily non-polar, while most inorganic compounds are ionic or polar in nature. However, there are exceptions where certain inorganic compounds may exhibit some solubility in specific organic solvents.
What are the properties of organic compounds determined by?
The properties of organic compounds is determined by the shape of molecule and the positive and negative charges existing on the molecule. The factor of varying electro-negativity is also very important in determining the properties.
What is organic chemistry?
A very short definition is: organic chemistry is the chemistry of carbon compounds. But, by tradition some compounds of carbon are considered inorganic chemicals. Or Organic chemistry is the study of Hydrocarbons or their derivatives
What are some characteristics of inorganic compound?
inorganic solids are mostly disolve able in water but the organic like benzene never ever dissolves in water similarly boiling points of in organic like NaCl are high as compared to organic example ether and petrol also gasoline
What is a group of very important flavor compounds?
A group of very important flavor compounds are called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These compounds are responsible for the aromas and flavors we perceive in various foods and beverages. Some examples of VOCs include aldehydes, ketones, esters, and terpenes.
What are popular organic compounds?
cellulose is very popular
What does it mean to say that the chemistry of life is based upon geometry?
This is an uncertain affirmation although the stereochemistry of organic compounds is very important.
What is an organic compound made up of very long chains of carbon compounds?
Organic compounds are generally composed of long carbon chains displaying covalent bonds.
Is proteins a element?
Proteins are not elements; they are very complex organic compounds.
Are inorganic compounds soluble in organic solvents?
In general, inorganic compounds are not very soluble in organic solvents. This is because organic solvents are primarily non-polar, while most inorganic compounds are ionic or polar in nature. However, there are exceptions where certain inorganic compounds may exhibit some solubility in specific organic solvents.
Do organic compounds have a higher boiling point?
Higher than what? Some organic compounds (e.g. propane, butane) have very very low boiling points making them gases at room temperature. Certain inorganic compounds (e.g. tungsten carbide) have boiling points so high that before those compounds boiled all organic compounds would not only have boiled but would have decomposed into their elements or very simple inorganic carbon compounds (e.g. carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide).
Is carbon organic?
Yes, carbon is considered organic because it is the building block for all living organisms and forms the basis of organic chemistry. Organic compounds, which contain carbon, are typically associated with living organisms.
What are the significance of organization?
Organic chemistry is very important. It is required for synthesis of most drugs including paracetamol and asprin. A lot of new high tech materials have some sort of organic compounds and organic chemistry. An example is breathalysers used by the police to test for alcohol.
Why are ionic compounds insoluble in organic compounds?
It isn't strictly true, but generally ionic compounds are not highly soluble in organic solvents because ionic compounds need a highly polar solvent to dissolve well (such as water) and in general organic compounds are not as polar as water. Remember, like dissolves like. However, many ionic compounds are very soluble in a variety of organic solvents, just not as much as in water.
Why carbon dioxide is not an organic compound?
Organic compounds contain a carbon atom covalently bonded to a hydrogen. Carbon dioxide is very important in organic chemistry and carbon chemistry in general, but it is not organic because it contains only carbon and oxygen ... no hydrogen.
What are the properties of organic compounds determined by?
The properties of organic compounds is determined by the shape of molecule and the positive and negative charges existing on the molecule. The factor of varying electro-negativity is also very important in determining the properties.
