Question

Which is false about of carbon? (1) It exhibits catenation. (2) Its ionization energy is very high. (3) It forms compounds with multiple bonds. (4) It shows inert pair effect.

Short answer

Statement (4) is false.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Catenation

Carbon exhibits catenation, which is the ability to form long chains and rings of atoms with itself. This property is due to the strong bonding of carbon atoms with other carbon atoms.

Examining Ionization Energy

Carbon has a relatively high ionization energy compared to other elements in the periodic table. This is because of its small size and the strong attraction between the nucleus and the outer electrons.

Multiple Bond Formation

Carbon can form multiple bonds, such as double and triple bonds, with other elements including carbon itself. This is a well-known property of carbon and a basis for organic chemistry.

Inert Pair Effect Clarification

The inert pair effect is typically observed in heavier elements of group 14 and beyond, where the s-electrons of the valence shell prefer to stay non-bonded or inert. Carbon, being one of the lighter elements, does not exhibit this effect.

Conclusion

Among the given statements, the one stating that carbon shows an inert pair effect is false.

Key concepts

Catenation

Catenation is a remarkable property of carbon. It allows carbon atoms to form long chains and rings by bonding with each other. This unique ability is due to the strong covalent bonds that carbon atoms can form with one another. You can find catenation in numerous organic compounds, such as alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes.
The strength and stability of the bonds in these compounds allow for various structures, enabling the vast diversity of organic chemistry. Carbon's tendency to catenate makes it an essential element for life, as it forms the backbone of many biological molecules.

Ionization Energy

The ionization energy of an element is the energy required to remove one electron from a neutral atom in the gaseous state. Carbon has a high ionization energy compared to many other elements in the periodic table.
This higher ionization energy is a consequence of:

• Carbon's small atomic size
• Strong electrostatic attraction between the nucleus and the valence electrons

These factors make it difficult to remove an electron from a carbon atom, resulting in its high ionization energy. Understanding ionization energy helps explain why carbon forms stable compounds and why it prefers to share electrons to achieve stability.

Multiple Bonds Formation

Carbon is well-known for its ability to form multiple bonds, which include double and triple bonds. These multiple bonds are formed by the sharing of more than one pair of electrons between atoms.
In chemistry, this phenomenon is essential as it dictates the structure and reactivity of many organic compounds:

• A double bond consists of one sigma bond and one pi bond
• A triple bond includes one sigma bond and two pi bonds

Examples include ethylene (C2H4) with a double bond, and acetylene (C2H2) with a triple bond.
Multiple bonds allow carbon to create a variety of complex molecules and contribute extensively to the diversity of organic chemistry.

Inert Pair Effect

The inert pair effect refers to the tendency of the outermost s electrons to remain non-bonded or inert in heavier elements. You will typically observe this effect in elements beyond the second period of the periodic table.
In group 14, the inert pair effect becomes more prominent with elements like tin (Sn) and lead (Pb). However, it is not observed in carbon, as carbon is a lighter element.
Therefore, carbon actively participates in bonding and doesn't exhibit the inert pair effect.
This makes carbon highly versatile in forming stable molecules, instead of leaving 'inert pairs' of electrons.