0Most carbon compounds are poor conductors of electricity. The boiling and melting points of the carbon compounds are low. Forces of attraction between these molecules of organic compounds are not very strong. As these compound are largely non conductors of electricity hence the bonding in these compound does not give rise to any ions. The reactivity of elements if explained at their tendency to attain a completely filled outer shell, that is, attain noble gas configuration. Element forming ionic compounds achieve this by either gaining or losing electrons from the outermost shell. In the case of carbon, it has four electrons in its outermost shell and needs to gain or lose four electrons to attain noble gas configuration. It is were to gain or lose electrons – (i) it could gain four electrons forming C4- anion. But it would be difficult for the nucleus with six protons to hold on to ten electrons, that is, four extra electrons. (ii) It could lose four electrons forming C4+ cation. But it would require a large amount of energy to remove four electrons leaving behind a carbon cation with six protons in its nucleus holding on to just two electrons.
