Carbon is the only element that can form so many different compounds because each carbon atom can form four chemical bonds to other atoms, and because the carbon atom is just the right, small size to fit in comfortably as parts of very large molecules. ... They can even join "head-to-tail" to make rings of carbon atoms.

Why does carbon form a limitless number of compounds?

�������������� Carbon can form a nearly limitless diversity of compounds. � One reason for this is carbon's ability to bind covalently with itself in long chains: ... � These extra bonds not used to join the carbon chain may be linked to hydrogen atoms or other structures.

Why does carbon form stable compounds?

Carbon forms stable compound because it has fully shared octet of electrons..