Answer:
Four bonds
Explanation:
A carbon atom completes its octet (eight electrons in the outermost shell) only when it shares its valence electrons with other atoms. Hence, a carbon atom forms four covalent bonds by sharing valence electrons with other atoms. This is known as tetravalency of carbon established by August Kekule.
Whether carbon is in a straight chain,branched chain or cyclic structure, it always maintains its tetra valency, that it, it always forms four bonds at a time.
