Allotropes of Carbon and Nanohemistry

Carbon:

Three forms of carbon:

• DIAMOND
• GRAPHITE
• BUCKMINISTER FULLERENE (BUCKYBALLS)

These are all ALLOTROPES of carbon. Allotropes are different fom of the same element with atoms arranged in different structures. MADE ONLY OF CARBON ATOMS

Diamond:

Diamond has a RIGID STRUCTURE:

• It is insoluble in water and doesn't condut electricity
• It is used in jewellery because it's colourless, clear and lustrous (shiny)
• It can be used in cutting tools because it's very hard and has a high melting point.
• It is a giant molecular structure.

Diamond is made of carbon atoms bonded to four other carbon atoms by STRONG COVALENT BONDS:

• It doesn't have any free electrons so it doesn't conduct electricity
• It is hard and has a high melting point because of the large number of covalent. These bonds need lots of energy to break.

Graphite:

Graphite has a LAYERED STRUCTURE:

• Insoluble in water
• black and slippery, which is why it's used in pencil leads.
• It's lustrous and opaque (light can't travel through it)
• …