Page 216 - BEATS Secondary School

Carbon – The King of Elements

I am a non-metal living in the North Eastern region of the periodic table having
two occupied shells. I am universally renowned as ‘C’ with a distinguished atomic
number ‘6’. Without me, life would not exist.

Out of the 109 known elements, I am the only one that has the properties that make
it possible for living systems to develop. I have four valence electrons available for
bonding with other atoms. I am Carbon.

Carbon is the central element to all currently living or once-living organisms. It is the
basis for all life on Earth. By studying Carbon and organic compounds scientists can
learn more about life, the human body and how it works.

My Relationship with Carbon
The molecule looks like a giant jellyfish or maybe a spider. Halfway through my
organic chemistry current syllabus, every time I open my laptop to research, this
particular element is there on the page, mocking me.

Organic chemistry examines how molecules containing carbon, interact and how
electrons flow around and between molecules. The little arrows showing where
they go (Structural formulae) is the heart and soul of organic chemistry. There is a
complete process of learning involved behind how molecules behave.

There are countless rules with many exceptions. The same molecule will behave
differently in acid or base, in heat or cold, so on and so forth. Carbon chemistry is
all about dealing with compounds of Carbon but everything that has Carbon is not
necessarily an Organic Compound.

So how do I get to survive Organic Chemistry –
• Make it your priority……………You don’t have a choice.
• Don’t simply memorise…………..Seek to understand.
• Give yourself the credit you deserve.