Carbon is the "backbone" of organic chemistry because it is , meaning it can form four stable covalent bonds with other atoms.
Organic chemistry centers on the study of carbon-containing compounds and their derivatives. Its core principles revolve around understanding how the unique properties of carbon allow it to form millions of stable, complex molecules, from simple fuels like methane to the intricate DNA and proteins that sustain life. 1. The Nature of Carbon and Bonding Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry
To achieve stable shapes, carbon’s atomic orbitals combine to form hybrid orbitals : Carbon is the "backbone" of organic chemistry because