Protons

Carbon compounds are broadly classified into two main categories : 1. Organic compounds : These contain carbon and hydrogen and may also include other elements like oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur etc. They include hydrocarbons (such as methane, ethane, propane), alcohols, acids and polymers (like plastics, rubber). Organic compounds are essential in biological systems, forming the basis of molecules like proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). They are also used widely in industries for example, in the manufacture of fuels, dyes, medicines, pesticides and plastics. 2. Inorganic compounds : These include compounds like Carbon dioxide (CO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), carbonates (such as calcium carbonate in limestone) and bicarbonates. These compounds are vital in geological and environmental processes, such as the carbon cycle, which maintains the balance of carbon in the eco-system. Carbon compounds exhibit various properties, most organic compounds have low melting and boiling points, are generally flammable and more soluble in organic solvents rather than water. This makes them useful as fuels and industrial solvents. Their diversity and reactivity make them a central part of the field of chemistry, particularly in synthetic and pharmaceutical industries.