Carbon atoms tend to form what type of bonds?

1 Answer
Dec 10, 2016

Generally, carbon atoms form single covalent bonds. This type of bonding can be found in molecules such as methane, ethane, etc.

Explanation:

However, carbon molecules do also form double covalent bonds with other carbon molecules, eg., ethene, propene, etc., and also with oxygen molecules, eg., carbon dioxide.

Carbon molecules can also form triple bonds. The only instance that I am aware of where this type of bonding occurs is in nitriles, eg., ethyl cyanide.

Carbon can also form ionic bonds. This occurs in acids such as carbonic acid.