Carbon has four valence electrons. These electrons are located in the outermost shell, specifically in the 2s and 2p orbitals, with an electron configuration of 1s22s22p21s^22s^22p^21s22s22p2. The four electrons in the second energy level (2s and 2p) constitute the valence electrons, which are involved in forming chemical bonds

. This tetravalent nature of carbon allows it to form up to four covalent bonds, making it highly versatile in forming a wide variety of compounds, including organic molecules essential for life