Which property of carbon atoms enables them to form a large number of compounds?
Correct: D
Carbon's unique ability to form bonds with other carbon atoms, leading to long chains, branched chains, and rings, is called catenation. Its tetravalency (ability to form four stable covalent bonds) allows these chains/rings to be stable and also allows carbon to bond with various other elements, contributing significantly to the vast number of carbon compounds. Both properties are crucial for the diversity of organic compounds.