What causes the existence of very large number of carbon compunds?

Explanation

i. Carbon is a tetravalent atom with the property of catenation. Thus, it forms compounds in which the carbon atoms are arranged in the form of straight chains, branched chains or rings.
ii. It can form single and multiple covalent bonds with other carbon atoms.
iii. Carbon is tetravalent. Thus, it can form four covalent bonds with carbon or other elements like oxygen, nitrogen, sulphur, halogens and phosphorus.
iv. One more characteristics of carbon, which is responsible for large number of carbon compounds is isomerism.
Hence, carbon forms a large number of compounds.