Because of the atomic structure of carbon, it tends to form

Carbon has 4 valence electrons and has a close electronegativity like that of hydrogen and other nonmetals. Because of this, it tends to form covalents bonds equally spaced around it. The best association to this is the lewis structure for methane, CH4.

Carbon has the ability to for covalent bonds with other elements beside from itself. These bonds are the: single covalent bond; the double covalent bond; and, triple covalent bond.