Organic chemistry is the study of compounds of carbon. There are millions of organic compounds, more than for any other element.A carbon atom has four electrons in its outer shell, so it forms four covalent bonds. These can be single, double or triple bonds.Carbon atoms can bond strongly to other carbon atoms to form long chains, branched chains and rings. C-C bonds are strong, so these chains are stable.
Carbon also bonds to other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and the halogens. This is why so many different organic molecules are possible, from simple fuels to the large molecules found in living things.
Carbon also bonds to other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and the halogens. This is why so many different organic molecules are possible, from simple fuels to the large molecules found in living things.