The Importance of Carbon: An Overlooked Element

Carbon is a fundamental element found in various forms such as diamonds, coal, and in the air we exhale. It is non-metallic, tetravalent, and plays a crucial role in forming covalent bonds. Carbon ranks as the fourth most abundant element in the universe and is essential for life. Historically recognized by Antoine Lavoisier, carbon is vital in organic chemistry, forming diverse compounds and polymers. Its allotropes, like diamond and graphite, exhibit different properties due to varied atomic bonding. Carbon's presence in organic compounds is ubiquitous, underscoring its importance.

How does carbon's tetravalency contribute to its ability to form compounds?

Discuss the historical recognition of carbon as an element.