Carbon
Carbon, the element with atomic number 6 in the periodic table, is a fascinating element of crucial importance in the world of chemistry and beyond.
This versatile element occurs in two main forms: native, i.e. in pure form, and chemically bound. It is the heart of organic chemistry and, thanks to its unique electron configuration, it has the remarkable ability to form complex molecules. This ability gives carbon an unrivalled diversity of chemical compounds, which serve as the basis for a wide range of materials. From plastics to all forms of life on Earth, carbon compounds are ubiquitous.