Allotropes of carbon

The element carbon can form several different molecules. Different structural forms of the same element are called allotropes. The structure and bonding in different allotropes influence their properties and uses.

Carbon can form simple molecules called fullerenes in which each carbon atom is covalently bonded to three other carbon atoms. Fullerenes are often tubular molecules or spherical. Fullerenes have weak intermolecular forces between the molecules and therefore have a low melting point. These weak forces also make them soft and slippery however the molecules themselves are very strong due to their covalent bonding.

Graphene is like fullerenes but is not a simple molecule. It consists of a sheet of carbon atoms that is one atom thick and…