Carbon Organic chemistry All organic compounds contain the element carbon ■4 A element Shares four electrons -Forms four strong covalent bonds Bonds to other carbons to create chains and rings Not all carbon compounds are derived from living organisms Organic chemistry  All organic compounds contain the element carbon  4A element  Shares four electrons  Forms four strong covalent bonds  Bonds to other carbons to create chains and rings  Not all carbon compounds are derived from living organisms Carbon