Which among the following statements with respect to carbon is/are correct?

1. Carbon forms the basis for all living organisms and many things we use

2. Carbon shows tetra-valency and the property of catenation

3. Carbon forms covalent bonds with itself and other elements

4. Carbon forms compounds containing triple and tetra bonds between carbon atoms

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct answer is 1, 2 and 3.

Key Points

• Carbon is a fundamental element for life because it is the building block of organic compounds, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
  • It is the backbone of biological molecules and is also present in various materials and products we use daily.
  • Hence statement 1 is correct.
• Carbon has four valence electrons, which allow it to form four covalent bonds with other atoms.
  • This tetra-valency is important for the formation of diverse organic compounds.
  • Additionally, carbon exhibits catenation, the ability to form long chains or rings of carbon atoms in its compounds.
  • Hence statement 2 is correct.
• Carbon easily forms covalent bonds with itself (resulting in the formation of hydrocarbons and other organic compounds) and with hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and many other elements.
  • The ability to share electrons through covalent bonding contributes to the vast diversity of carbon compounds.
  • Hence statement 3 is correct.
• Carbon cannot form compounds containing triple and tetra bonds between carbon atoms.
  • Carbon cannot form four bonds with another carbon atom because once they have a triple bond, there is no possible orbital left that can allow another electron to orbit both nuclei.
  • Hence statement 4 is incorrect.