A carbon atom being placed in the Group 4A in the periodic table has 4 valence electrons. With this, it has the capacity to form a maximum of 4 bonds with other elements. Since these valence electrons are shared with other atoms the bonding is known as covalent bond. It can form single, double and triple bonds to achieve a filled octet and be stable. With these abilities of the carbon atoms, chemical bonds between carbon atoms and other elements can form different kinds of compounds with short and long straight and branched chained structures. Organic compounds are group of compounds that contain the element carbon. Many organic compounds are formed because of the special characteristics of this element. These compounds contain carbon and hydrogen combined with other elements, namely, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorous, sulphur, and halogens (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine). Ethyl alcohol, acetone, gasoline, naphthalene, acetic acid, vanillin, acetylene, and esters are just few examples of many useful organic compounds. These compounds are produced by plants and animals. However, these carbon-containing compounds can also be produced artificially. There are also organic compounds that are produced from petroleum: liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), gasoline, lubricating oil and kerosene. Many organic compounds are commonly used at home or in the community. These compounds have their specific uses. Some of these compounds are used to fuel vehicles, light lamps, cook food, disinfect wounds, flavor beverages, and lubricate machines. Ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), acetic acid, acetone, and diesel oil are just some of the many examples of useful organic compounds. Other examples of organic compounds are shown in the table below.​