Why do most elements occur in a compound form rather than in free elemental state​

Consider the following reaction at equilibrium. 2co2 (g) 2co (g) + o2 (g) h° = -514 kj le châtelier's principle predicts that the equilibrium partial pressure of co (g) can be maximized by carrying out the reaction a. at high temperature and high pressure b. at high temperature and low pressure c. at low temperature and low pressure d. at low temperature and high pressure e. in the presence of solid carbon