Which element forms the highest number of compounds in the periodic table ?

Carbon forms the highest number of compounds in the periodic table due to its unique chemical properties. It exhibits the highest degree of catenation, which is the ability of an element to form long, stable chains or rings by bonding with its own atoms [1]. Carbon's tetravalency allows it to form four covalent bonds with other carbon atoms or different elements like hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur [1]. While silicon also belongs to the same group and can form chains, its catenation is limited to about seven or eight atoms, and these compounds are highly reactive and unstable compared to carbon [1]. Carbon's ability to form strong, stable single, double, and triple bonds leads to a vast diversity of organic and inorganic molecules. Consequently, carbon is the fundamental building block for all living organisms and millions of known chemical compounds.

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds > 4.2 VERSATILE NATURE OF CARBON > p. 62