Carbon and its compounds-Definition, Catenation, Nature, Allotropy & FAQs

What are Carbon and its Compounds?

Catenation Property of Carbon

In Organic Chemistry, everything is surrounded by carbon compounds. It is one of the most essential components of living organisms. There are two stable isotopes of carbon 12C and 13C. After these two one more isotope of carbon is present 14C. Carbon is used for radiocarbon dating and it is also a radioisotope with a half-life of 5770 years.

  • One of the most amazing properties of carbon is its ability to make long carbon chains and rings. This property of carbon is known as catenation.
  • Carbon has many special abilities out of all one unique ability is that carbon forms pπ-pπ bonds which are nothing but double or triple bonds with itself and with other electronegative atoms like oxygen and nitrogen.
  • Just because of these two properties of carbon i.e catenation and multiple bond formation, it has the number of allotropic forms.
  • Carbon atoms form tetravalent bonds , so that one carbon atom forms a bond  with four carbon atoms and this structure can be repeated endlessly without disturbing the stability of the bonds.
The molecules of a carbon compound must contain an atom of carbon. All living things, including plants and animals, are composed of organic components, which are carbon-based substances.

Do you know what the allotrope of carbon means?

Allotrope is nothing but the existence of an element in many forms which will have different physical properties but will have similar chemical properties and its forms are called allotropes of allotropic forms. Allotropes are defined as the two or more physical forms of one element. These allotropes are all based on carbon atoms but exhibit different physical properties, especially with regard to hardness.

The common, crystalline allotropes of carbon are Diamond, Graphite, Graphene, Fullerene ( C60), and Carbon nanotubes. Carbon shows allotropy because it exists in different forms of carbon such as diamond, and graphite. But it is now known that all the amorphous carbons contain microcrystals of graphite. Though these allotropes of carbon have different crystal structures and different physical properties, their chemical properties are the same and show similar chemical properties. Both diamond and graphite have the symbol C. Both give off carbon dioxide when strongly heated in the presence of oxygen.

The structure of carbon allotropes are 

Diamond:  

Diamond is a  well known allotrope of carbon having a three-dimensional network  structure. It exhibits the highest hardness and thermal conductivity. 

The molecules of a carbon compound must contain an atom of carbon. All living things, including plants and animals, are composed of organic components, which are carbon-based substances.

Graphite:

Graphite is another allotrope of carbon. It is a two dimensional structure and a good conductor of electricity.

The molecules of a carbon compound must contain an atom of carbon. All living things, including plants and animals, are composed of organic components, which are carbon-based substances.

Graphene:

It is a single layer allotrope of carbon having a two dimensional honeycomb structure. Graphene has very high electron mobility and, like graphite, is a good electrical conductor, due to the occurrence of a free pi (p) electron for each carbon atom.

The molecules of a carbon compound must contain an atom of carbon. All living things, including plants and animals, are composed of organic components, which are carbon-based substances.

Fullerene (C60):

A fullerene is an allotrope of carbon atoms connected by single and double bonds to form a closed or partially closed structure, with fused rings of five to seven atoms.

The molecules of a carbon compound must contain an atom of carbon. All living things, including plants and animals, are composed of organic components, which are carbon-based substances.

Single-wall carbon nanotubes:

Single-wall carbon nanotubes are one of the allotropes of carbon, intermediate between fullerene cages and flat graphene.

The molecules of a carbon compound must contain an atom of carbon. All living things, including plants and animals, are composed of organic components, which are carbon-based substances.

Some Carbon based compounds

Carbon -hydrogen compounds:

Hydrocarbons are the compound of carbon having a carbon hydrogen bond. Such as CH4, C2H6, C2H4, C6H6 etc. 

Carbon-oxygen compounds:

There are many oxides of carbon compounds there such as carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon trioxide (CO3) etc.

Carbon-sulfur compounds:

The carbon-sulphide compounds are carbon disulphide (CS2) and carbonyl sulphide (OCS). Carbon monosulphide (CS) etc.

Carbon-nitrogen compounds

The carbon-nitrogen compounds are cyanogen (CN)2 , hydrogen cyanide (HCN), cyanogen chloride (CNCl) etc.

Carbon- halides compounds

The common carbon halides are carbon tetrafluoride (CF4), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), carbon tetrabromide (CBr4), carbon tetraiodide (CI4) etc

Uses of carbon and its compounds

  • Carbon is the basic building block of life.
  • Hydrocarbons are the compounds of carbon and hydrogen are the major source of fuel.
  • Carbon based compounds like ethylene, polypropene, polystyrene etc. are widely used in polymerisation process.
  • They are used in the synthesis of many dyes and drugs.
  • Diamond is a allotrope of carbon used for cutting marble, granite and glass, it is also used for jewellery.
  • Graphite  is used to make electrodes for electrolytic cells, for making pencils, lubricates for machines.
  • Glucose  is made of carbon , hydrogen and oxygen used is the main source of fuel for our cells

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Q1

Why is carbon so important?

Carbon is a major component of living beings. Carbon is one of the basic building blocks for organic life together with nitrogen and oxygen. Carbon is about 18% of the human body. Due to its unique ability to form four separate bonds with other elements, Carbon is significant.

Q2

Is everything made out of carbon?

All on earth consists of combinations of various elements -all of which can be found in the periodic table. Existence without coal would be unlikely for life on earth. Coal is the main component of your body’s calories, carbohydrates, fats, Genes, and muscle tissue.

Q3

What are the everyday uses of carbon?

In many consumer goods, carbon is used for inks, rubber, metal, pencils, and more! Of petroleum (gasoline) and plastics, tens of millions of synthetic carbon compounds are useful. Carbon is Earth’s essence of life. It’s an aspect of great importance.

Q4

What are the 4 types of carbon compounds?

Four major categories are present in all living things among the many forms of organic compounds: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Q5

Which is the purest form of carbon?

The purest form of carbon is diamond. Different forms are considered allotropes of the same chemical element. Graphite and diamond are two of the greatest carbon allotropes. Diamond is a form of carbon that covalently bonds each carbon atom to four other carbon atoms.

Er. Neeraj K.Anand is a freelance mentor and writer who specializes in Engineering & Science subjects. Neeraj Anand received a B.Tech degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from N.I.T Warangal & M.Tech Post Graduation from IETE, New Delhi. He has over 30 years of teaching experience and serves as the Head of Department of ANAND CLASSES. He concentrated all his energy and experiences in academics and subsequently grew up as one of the best mentors in the country for students aspiring for success in competitive examinations. In parallel, he started a Technical Publication "ANAND TECHNICAL PUBLISHERS" in 2002 and Educational Newspaper "NATIONAL EDUCATION NEWS" in 2014 at Jalandhar. Now he is a Director of leading publication "ANAND TECHNICAL PUBLISHERS", "ANAND CLASSES" and "NATIONAL EDUCATION NEWS". He has published more than hundred books in the field of Physics, Mathematics, Computers and Information Technology. Besides this he has written many books to help students prepare for IIT-JEE and AIPMT entrance exams. He is an executive member of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers. USA) and honorary member of many Indian scientific societies such as Institution of Electronics & Telecommunication Engineers, Aeronautical Society of India, Bioinformatics Institute of India, Institution of Engineers. He has got award from American Biographical Institute Board of International Research in the year 2005.

CBSE Class 11 Chemistry Syllabus

CBSE Class 11 Chemistry Syllabus is a vast which needs a clear understanding of the concepts and topics. Knowing CBSE Class 11 Chemistry syllabus helps students to understand the course structure of Chemistry.

Unit-wise CBSE Class 11 Syllabus for Chemistry

Below is a list of detailed information on each unit for Class 11 Students.

UNIT I – Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry

General Introduction: Importance and scope of Chemistry.

Nature of matter, laws of chemical combination, Dalton’s atomic theory: concept of elements,
atoms and molecules.

Atomic and molecular masses, mole concept and molar mass, percentage composition, empirical and molecular formula, chemical reactions, stoichiometry and calculations based on stoichiometry.

UNIT II – Structure of Atom

Discovery of Electron, Proton and Neutron, atomic number, isotopes and isobars. Thomson’s model and its limitations. Rutherford’s model and its limitations, Bohr’s model and its limitations, concept of shells and subshells, dual nature of matter and light, de Broglie’s relationship, Heisenberg uncertainty principle, concept of orbitals, quantum numbers, shapes of s, p and d orbitals, rules for filling electrons in orbitals – Aufbau principle, Pauli’s exclusion principle and Hund’s rule, electronic configuration of atoms, stability of half-filled and completely filled orbitals.

UNIT III – Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties

Significance of classification, brief history of the development of periodic table, modern periodic law and the present form of periodic table, periodic trends in properties of elements -atomic radii, ionic radii, inert gas radii, Ionization enthalpy, electron gain enthalpy, electronegativity, valency. Nomenclature of elements with atomic number greater than 100.

UNIT IV – Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure

Valence electrons, ionic bond, covalent bond, bond parameters, Lewis structure, polar character of covalent bond, covalent character of ionic bond, valence bond theory, resonance, geometry of covalent molecules, VSEPR theory, concept of hybridization, involving s, p and d orbitals and shapes of some simple molecules, molecular orbital theory of homonuclear diatomic molecules(qualitative idea only), Hydrogen bond.

UNIT V – Chemical Thermodynamics

Concepts of System and types of systems, surroundings, work, heat, energy, extensive and intensive properties, state functions. First law of thermodynamics – internal energy and enthalpy, measurement of U and H, Hess’s law of constant heat summation, enthalpy of bond dissociation, combustion, formation, atomization, sublimation, phase transition, ionization, solution and dilution. Second law of Thermodynamics (brief introduction)
Introduction of entropy as a state function, Gibb’s energy change for spontaneous and nonspontaneous processes.
Third law of thermodynamics (brief introduction).

UNIT VI – Equilibrium

Equilibrium in physical and chemical processes, dynamic nature of equilibrium, law of mass action, equilibrium constant, factors affecting equilibrium – Le Chatelier’s principle, ionic equilibrium- ionization of acids and bases, strong and weak electrolytes, degree of ionization,
ionization of poly basic acids, acid strength, concept of pH, hydrolysis of salts (elementary idea), buffer solution, Henderson Equation, solubility product, common ion effect (with illustrative examples).

UNIT VII – Redox Reactions

Concept of oxidation and reduction, redox reactions, oxidation number, balancing redox reactions, in terms of loss and gain of electrons and change in oxidation number, applications of redox reactions.

UNIT VIII – Organic Chemistry: Some basic Principles and Techniques

General introduction, classification and IUPAC nomenclature of organic compounds. Electronic displacements in a covalent bond: inductive effect, electromeric effect, resonance and hyper conjugation. Homolytic and heterolytic fission of a covalent bond: free radicals, carbocations, carbanions, electrophiles and nucleophiles, types of organic reactions.

UNIT IX – Hydrocarbons

Classification of Hydrocarbons
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons:
Alkanes – Nomenclature, isomerism, conformation (ethane only), physical properties, chemical reactions.
Alkenes – Nomenclature, structure of double bond (ethene), geometrical isomerism, physical properties, methods of preparation, chemical reactions: addition of hydrogen, halogen, water, hydrogen halides (Markovnikov’s addition and peroxide effect), ozonolysis, oxidation, mechanism of electrophilic addition.
Alkynes – Nomenclature, structure of triple bond (ethyne), physical properties, methods of preparation, chemical reactions: acidic character of alkynes, addition reaction of – hydrogen, halogens, hydrogen halides and water.

Aromatic Hydrocarbons:

Introduction, IUPAC nomenclature, benzene: resonance, aromaticity, chemical properties: mechanism of electrophilic substitution. Nitration, sulphonation, halogenation, Friedel Craft’s alkylation and acylation, directive influence of functional group in monosubstituted benzene. Carcinogenicity and toxicity.

To know the CBSE Syllabus for all the classes from 1 to 12, visit the Syllabus page of CBSE. Meanwhile, to get the Practical Syllabus of Class 11 Chemistry, read on to find out more about the syllabus and related information in this page.

CBSE Class 11 Chemistry Practical Syllabus with Marking Scheme

In Chemistry subject, practical also plays a vital role in improving their academic scores in the subject. The overall weightage of Chemistry practical mentioned in the CBSE Class 11 Chemistry syllabus is 30 marks. So, students must try their best to score well in practicals along with theory. It will help in increasing their overall academic score.

CBSE Class 11 Chemistry Practical Syllabus

The experiments will be conducted under the supervision of subject teacher. CBSE Chemistry Practicals is for 30 marks. This contribute to the overall practical marks for the subject.

The table below consists of evaluation scheme of practical exams.

Evaluation SchemeMarks
Volumetric Analysis08
Salt Analysis08
Content Based Experiment06
Project Work04
Class record and viva04
Total30

CBSE Syllabus for Class 11 Chemistry Practical

Micro-chemical methods are available for several of the practical experiments. Wherever possible such techniques should be used.

A. Basic Laboratory Techniques
1. Cutting glass tube and glass rod
2. Bending a glass tube
3. Drawing out a glass jet
4. Boring a cork

B. Characterization and Purification of Chemical Substances
1. Determination of melting point of an organic compound.
2. Determination of boiling point of an organic compound.
3. Crystallization of impure sample of any one of the following: Alum, Copper Sulphate, Benzoic Acid.

C. Experiments based on pH

1. Any one of the following experiments:

  • Determination of pH of some solutions obtained from fruit juices, solution of known and varied concentrations of acids, bases and salts using pH paper or universal indicator.
  • Comparing the pH of solutions of strong and weak acids of same concentration.
  • Study the pH change in the titration of a strong base using universal indicator.

2. Study the pH change by common-ion in case of weak acids and weak bases.

D. Chemical Equilibrium
One of the following experiments:

1. Study the shift in equilibrium between ferric ions and thiocyanate ions by increasing/decreasing the concentration of either of the ions.
2. Study the shift in equilibrium between [Co(H2O)6] 2+ and chloride ions by changing the concentration of either of the ions.

E. Quantitative Estimation
i. Using a mechanical balance/electronic balance.
ii. Preparation of standard solution of Oxalic acid.
iii. Determination of strength of a given solution of Sodium hydroxide by titrating it against standard solution of Oxalic acid.
iv. Preparation of standard solution of Sodium carbonate.
v. Determination of strength of a given solution of hydrochloric acid by titrating it against standard Sodium Carbonatesolution.

F. Qualitative Analysis
1) Determination of one anion and one cation in a given salt
Cations‐ Pb2+, Cu2+, As3+, Al3+, Fe3+, Mn2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Co2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, Mg2+, NH4 +
Anions – (CO3)2‐ , S2‐, NO2 , SO32‐, SO2‐ , NO , Cl , Br, I‐, PO43‐ , C2O2‐ ,CH3COO
(Note: Insoluble salts excluded)

2) Detection of ‐ Nitrogen, Sulphur, Chlorine in organic compounds.

G) PROJECTS
Scientific investigations involving laboratory testing and collecting information from other sources.

A few suggested projects are as follows:

  • Checking the bacterial contamination in drinking water by testing sulphide ion
  • Study of the methods of purification of water.
  • Testing the hardness, presence of Iron, Fluoride, Chloride, etc., depending upon the regional
    variation in drinking water and study of causes of presence of these ions above permissible
    limit (if any).
  • Investigation of the foaming capacity of different washing soaps and the effect of addition of
    Sodium carbonate on it.
  • Study the acidity of different samples of tea leaves.
  • Determination of the rate of evaporation of different liquids Study the effect of acids and
    bases on the tensile strength of fibres.
  • Study of acidity of fruit and vegetable juices.

Note: Any other investigatory project, which involves about 10 periods of work, can be chosen with the approval of the teacher.

Practical Examination for Visually Impaired Students of Class 11

Below is a list of practicals for the visually impaired students.

A. List of apparatus for identification for assessment in practicals (All experiments)
Beaker, tripod stand, wire gauze, glass rod, funnel, filter paper, Bunsen burner, test tube, test tube stand,
dropper, test tube holder, ignition tube, china dish, tongs, standard flask, pipette, burette, conical flask, clamp
stand, dropper, wash bottle
• Odour detection in qualitative analysis
• Procedure/Setup of the apparatus

B. List of Experiments A. Characterization and Purification of Chemical Substances
1. Crystallization of an impure sample of any one of the following: copper sulphate, benzoic acid
B. Experiments based on pH
1. Determination of pH of some solutions obtained from fruit juices, solutions of known and varied
concentrations of acids, bases and salts using pH paper
2. Comparing the pH of solutions of strong and weak acids of same concentration.

C. Chemical Equilibrium
1. Study the shift in equilibrium between ferric ions and thiocyanate ions by increasing/decreasing
the concentration of eitherions.
2. Study the shift in equilibrium between [Co(H2O)6]2+ and chloride ions by changing the
concentration of either of the ions.

D. Quantitative estimation
1. Preparation of standard solution of oxalic acid.
2. Determination of molarity of a given solution of sodium hydroxide by titrating it against standard
solution of oxalic acid.

E. Qualitative Analysis
1. Determination of one anion and one cation in a given salt
2. Cations – NH+4
Anions – (CO3)2-, S2-, (SO3)2-, Cl-, CH3COO-
(Note: insoluble salts excluded)
3. Detection of Nitrogen in the given organic compound.
4. Detection of Halogen in the given organic compound.

Note: The above practicals may be carried out in an experiential manner rather than recording observations.

We hope students must have found this information on CBSE Syllabus useful for their studying Chemistry. Learn Maths & Science in interactive and fun loving ways with ANAND CLASSES (A School Of Competitions) App/Tablet.

Frequently Asked Questions on CBSE Class 11 Chemistry Syllabus

Q1

How many units are in the CBSE Class 11 Chemistry Syllabus?

There are 9 units in the CBSE Class 11 Chemistry Syllabus. Students can access various study materials for the chapters mentioned in this article for free at ANAND CLASSES (A School Of Competitions).

Q2

What is the total marks for practicals examination as per the CBSE Class 11 Chemistry Syllabus?

The total marks for the practicals as per the CBSE Class 11 Chemistry Syllabus is 30. It includes volumetric analysis, content-based experiment, salt analysis, class record, project work and viva.

Q3

Which chapter carries more weightage as per the CBSE Syllabus for Class 11 Chemistry?

The organic chemistry chapter carries more weightage as per the CBSE Syllabus for Class 11 Chemistry.