B1.1.1

• The chemical properties of carbon allow many different forms of molecule to be produced, so the range of functions is almost limitless.
• Carbon atoms can form covalent bonds with other atoms.
• A covalent bond is formed by sharing a pair of electrons between two adjacent atoms.
• Covalent bonds are the strongest type of bond between atoms which means stable molecules based on carbon can be produced.
• Double covalent bonds are found, for example, in unsaturated fatty acids.
• Each carbon atom can form four single covalent bonds, or two single and one double.
• Carbon atoms can form covalent bonds with other carbon atoms or with other elements (f.e. Hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus).
• Carbon atoms can be linked to form a chain of any length.
• Single covalent bonds allow the atoms to rotate but they cant move further apart or together.