In organic chemistry, the atoms of which element commonly bond to one another in chains to form the backbone of most functional groups?

• A. $Nitrogen$
• B. $Oxygen$
• C. $Carbon$
• D. $Hydrogen$

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the element that is known for forming long chains by bonding to itself, which is a key feature in organic molecules.
2. Recall that organic chemistry primarily studies compounds containing carbon atoms, which have the unique ability to form stable covalent bonds with other carbon atoms.
3. Understand that these carbon chains serve as the backbone for most functional groups, providing a framework to which other atoms or groups attach.
4. Recognize that while elements like nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen are important in organic molecules, they do not typically form the continuous chains that carbon does.
5. Conclude that the element commonly bonding to itself in chains to form the backbone of most functional groups is carbon.