Carbon can only bond with other carbon atoms. Carbon is a solvent that breaks chemical bonds. Carbon readily forms ionic bonds that separate easily. Carbon can form many types of molecules with covalent bonds.
I gave my students this multiple choice question: Which of the following is a central role of carbon in the chemistry of living organisms?

Only one answer is correct among these 4 choices:
- Carbon can only bond with other carbon atoms.
- Carbon is a solvent that breaks chemical bonds.
- Carbon readily forms ionic bonds that separate easily.
- Carbon can form many types of molecules with covalent bonds.

Could you tell me which one is correct?

Carbon can form many types of molecules with covalent bonds.