There are 118 elements in the periodic table. What is a likely estimate of the number of compounds formed by these elements?

a 118 compounds as each compound is made of one element
b 236 compounds as each compound is made of two elements
c Far greater than 118 because elements combine in various ways
d 59 compounds because elements pair up with each other to form all compounds

The likely estimate of the number of compounds formed by these elements is c) Far greater than 118 because elements combine in various ways.