This section lists some binary compounds with halogens (known as halides), oxygen (known as oxides), hydrogen (known as hydrides), and some other compounds of carbon. For each compound, a formal oxidation number for carbon is given, but the usefulness of this number is limited for p-block elements in particular. Based upon that oxidation number, an electronic configuration is also given but note that for more exotic compounds you should view this as a guide only. The term hydride is used in a generic sense to indicate compounds of the type M_xH_y and not necessarily to indicate that any compounds listed behave chemically as hydrides.

In compounds of carbon (where known), the most common oxidation numbers of carbon are: 4, and -4.

Hydrides

The term hydride is used to indicate compounds of the type M_xH_y and not necessarily to indicate that any compounds listed behave as hydrides chemically.

• none listed

Fluorides

• CF₄: carbon (IV) fluoride
• C₆₀F₆₀: carbon fluoride

Chlorides

• CCl₄: carbon (IV) chloride

Bromides

• CBr₄: carbon (IV) bromide

Iodides

• CI₄: carbon (IV) iodide

Oxides

• CO: carbon (II) oxide
• CO₂: carbon (IV) oxide
• C₃O₂: carbon oxide

Sulfides

• CS₂: carbon (IV) sulphide

Selenides

• CSe₂: carbon (IV) selenide

Tellurides

• none listed

Nitrides

• none listed

Carbonyls

• none listed

Complexes

• none listed