ELEMENTS IN LIVING THINGS CHAPTER 11 – 1 part 1

The Bonding of Carbon Atoms Carbon has the central role in the chemistry of living things. Carbon atoms form long chains by combining with carbon atoms and other elements.

Carbon Backbones Each carbon atom has four valence electrons, so they can make four bonds. Carbon-based molecules can come in many different shapes.

CARBON – Straight Chain

Branched Chain

Ring Chain

THREE TYPES OF BONDS Compounds that contain carbon are called organic compounds. Carbon bonds can be single, double or triple bonds.

SINGLE BONDS Atoms of carbon most often form four separate single bonds with other atoms. A single bond is a covalent bond made up of shared electrons.

DOUBLE BONDS Carbon can also form two covalent bonds between them. This is called a double bond.

TRIPLE BONDS Triple bonds, three bonds between carbon atoms, are also possible. This is acetylene gas, used for welding. H - C C - H

ACTIVITY: BUILDING CARBON BACKBONES LET’S TRY IT! ACTIVITY: BUILDING CARBON BACKBONES