Valency refers to the combining capacity of an element, which is determined by the number of electrons an atom can gain, lose, or share to achieve a stable electronic configuration. For carbon, it can either gain four electrons or lose four electrons to reach a stable octet configuration. For example, the H forms 2 bonds with oxygen so the valency of oxygen is 2. Now, we know that the number of electrons in the outermost shell of carbon is 4. In order to achieve the noble gas configuration of the nearest noble gas, carbon makes four bonds with hydrogen. Therefore, the valency of carbon is 4. It is also called the tetravalency of ... In this article, we will learn about the Valency of Carbon and the definition, different valencies, in Alkyne and in Alkene, all about the Valency of Carbon. This table of element valences includes the maximum valence and most common valence values in chemistry. Use this for reference with a periodic table.
