The versatility of carbon can be explained in the following ways:

(a) Catenation:

The self-linking capacity of an element is referred to as catenation. Carbon can form long straight chains, branched chains, or ring structures by bonding with other carbon atoms. No other element exhibits catenation up to this extent. Carbon can link with other carbon atoms using single, double or triple bonds.

(b) Tetravalency:

Carbon has a valency of 4. It is satisfied by forming bonds with 4 other monovalent atoms. Carbon can also form multiple bonds (double or triple bonds) with atoms like oxygen and nitrogen. The bonds formed are highly stable and thus forms stable compounds.