Class 10 Chemistry - Carbon

Carbon is a versatile element that forms the basis of all life.

1. Why Carbon?

• Catenation: Self-linking property to form long chains and rings.
• Tetravalency: Valency of 4. Capable of bonding with 4 other atoms.

2. Allotropes

• Diamond: Hardest substance. 3D structure.
• Graphite: Conducts electricity (free electron). Hexagonal layers.
• Fullerene: C-60 (Buckminsterfullerene). Football shaped.

3. Hydrocarbons

• Saturated: Alkanes (Single bond). Formula: $C_nH_{2n+2}$
• Unsaturated: Alkenes (Double bond) & Alkynes (Triple bond).

4. Functional Groups

• Alcohol: -OH
• Aldehyde: -CHO
• Ketone: -C=O
• Carboxylic Acid: -COOH (Weak acids like Vinegar).

5. Soaps and Detergents

• Soap: Sodium salt of fatty acids. Forms scum with hard water.
• Detergent: Sodium salt of sulphonic acids. Works well in hard water.
• Micelle Formation: The mechanism of cleaning.

Memorize the Electron Dot Structure of Ethane and Ethene! ⚛️🧪