Question

Carbon shows a maximum covalency of four whereas other members can expand their covalence due to

• A. absence of $d$-orbitals in carbon
• B. ability of carbon to form $p\pi - p\pi$ multiple bonds
• C. small size of carbon
• D. catenation of carbon

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

absence of $d$-orbitals in carbon

Answer 2

In carbon, due to absence of d-orbital, only s and p-orbitals are available for bonding, therefore, it can accommodate only four pairs of electrons around it. Thus, it has a maximum covalency of four.