Which one of the following elements forms highest number of compounds ?

Carbon forms the highest number of compounds among all elements due to its unique chemical properties. The primary reason is catenation, which is the ability of carbon atoms to bond with each other to form exceptionally stable and long chains, branched structures, or rings [1]. This property is unmatched by other elements like silicon, whose chains are less stable and more reactive [1]. Additionally, carbon's tetravalency allows it to form four covalent bonds with a wide variety of other elements, including hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and halogens [4]. The ability to form multiple bonds (double and triple) further increases the diversity and complexity of carbon-based molecules [2]. Consequently, carbon compounds are the most abundant and diverse group of chemical substances, forming the basis of organic chemistry and all living organisms [1].

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds > 4.2 VERSATILE NATURE OF CARBON > p. 62
2. [2] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds > What you have learnt > p. 77
3. [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catenation