Is the comparison of the carbon element with assembling games correct? Playing at grouping blocks you can see that carbons group together in the same way, this occurs in the formation of long chains of hydrocarbons. But how does carbon constitute these important organic compounds? Everything is due to the carbon structure that has the ability to form varied, stable and extensive molecular chains.
In fact, all elements seek to bond with each other to achieve electronic equilibrium, that is, to complete the last layer (valence layer) with eight electrons. To achieve this balance, metals, which are electropositive, tend to donate electrons, forming positive ions (cations). Nonmetals do exactly the opposite, they are electronegative, that is, they tend to gain electrons, forming negative ions (anions). Noble gases are naturally balanced. What about carbon? This is the element capable of forming four bonds, giving or receiving electrons, that is, it governs with electropositive and electronegative elements. For this property, carbon is called tetravalent.
The existence of millions of organic compounds is explained by the tetravalence of carbon, since the long carbon chains only exist because of the four available carbon bonds. We can find carbon in a wide variety of substances, let's see some:
• Methane is an example of a simple organic compound, it is composed of only 1 carbon atom and therefore it is light and makes up natural gas;
• Polymers are made up of long carbon chains to form plastics;
• The molecules of life (DNA) are made up of carbon in chains.
Returning to the initial subject, carbon and assembly games, note the octane structure:
H3C ─ CH2 ─ CH2 ─ CH2 CH2 ─ CH2 ─ CH2 CH3
As you can see, carbon behaves like a building block to build the linear structure of the main component of gasoline.
Do not stop now... There's more after the advertising ;)
By Líria Alves
Graduated in Chemistry
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SOUZA, Líria Alves de. "Carbon and Assembling Games"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/quimica/carbono-jogos-montar.htm. Accessed on June 28, 2021.
