Tetravalent refers to the ability of an atom to form four chemical bonds. This property is commonly seen in elements like carbon, which can bond with four other atoms, allowing for a diverse range of compounds. Tetravalent atoms can create complex structures, making them essential in organic chemistry. In addition to carbon, other tetravalent elements include silicon and germanium. These elements can also form four bonds, contributing to various materials and technologies. Understanding tetravalency is crucial for studying molecular structures and reactions in chemistry.