Could the last carbon atom in a chain make bonds with four hydrogen atoms? Why or why not?
Answer (2)
Carbon contains four electrons in its outer shell. Therefore, it can form four covalent bonds with other atoms or molecules. The simplest organic carbon molecule is methane (CH4), in which four hydrogen atoms bind to a carbon atom (Figure 1). ... (a) This molecule of stearic acid has a long chain of carbon atoms.
The last carbon atom in a chain can bond with four hydrogen atoms because it has four valence electrons and can form four covalent bonds. An example of this is methane (CHâ‚„), where one carbon atom is bonded to four hydrogen atoms. This satisfies the octet rule and results in a stable structure.
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