CBSE Class 10 Science Carbon And Its Compounds Notes Set B

i) Catenation: The self-linking property of an element mainly carbon atom through covalent bonds to form long straight, branched and rings of different sizes are called Catenation.
This property is due to
* The small size of the carbon atom.
* The great strength of the carbon-carbon bond.

Versatile Nature of Carbon: The existence of such a large number of organic compounds is due to the following nature of carbon,
* Catenation                     Tetravalent nature

Hydrocarbons: Compounds of carbon and hydrogen are known as hydrocarbons.
For example; Methane (CH₄), Ethane (C₂H₆), Ethene (C₂H₄), Ethyne (C₂H₂) etc.

Isomerism: Compounds having the same molecular formula but different structural formula and properties are known as Isomers and this phenomenon is known as Isomerism.

Structural Isomerism: Compounds having the same molecular formula but different structures are called Structural isomers.Example: Isomers of butane (C₄H₁₀)

Homologous Series: Series of organic compounds having the same functional group and chemical properties and successive members differ by a CH₂ unit or 14 mass units are known as Homologous series.
Homologous series of Alkanes, Alkenes and Alkynes

Functional Group: An atom or group of atoms present in a molecule which largely determines its chemical properties are called Functional Group.