Allotropes of Carbon and Carbon Compounds
Allotropes of Carbon and Carbon Compounds
Allotropes of Carbon and Carbon Compounds
by Rajeevv Kalra
Allotropes of Carbon
1 Definition
Allotropes of carbon are different forms of carbon that occur in
nature, each having distinct physical properties due to
differences in the arrangement of carbon atoms.
2 Examples
Examples include diamond, graphite, and fullerene.
3 Structural Differences
The unique properties of each allotrope are determined by the
specific arrangement of carbon atoms in their structure.
Diamond Structure
Bonding
In a diamond, each carbon atom is bonded to four other carbon atoms in
a three-dimensional structure, forming a rigid and strong network.
Tetrahedral Arrangement
The carbon atoms in diamond are arranged in a tetrahedral pattern,
giving it its characteristic hardness and strength.
In graphite, each carbon atom is These layers are held together by The layered structure of graphite
bonded to three other carbon atoms weak forces, allowing them to slide gives it its characteristic softness
in the same plane, forming over each other. and ability to conduct electricity.
hexagonal layers.
Comparing Diamond and Graphite
Property Diamond Graphite
Bonding Strong covalent in all directions Strong in-plane, weak between layers
Structure
In fullerene (C60), the carbon atoms are arranged in the shape of a hollow
sphere resembling a soccer ball.
Naming Origin
Fullerene was named after the US architect Buckminster Fuller, who designed
structures similar in shape to the spherical arrangement of carbon atoms in
fullerenes.
Electrical Conductivity of
Covalent Compounds
Covalent Bonding
In covalent compounds, electrons are shared between atoms.
No Free Charges
No charged particles (ions) are formed in covalent bonding.
Poor Conductivity
Covalent compounds are generally poor conductors of electricity
because of the lack of free charges.
Applications of Graphite
Pencil Lead
The layered structure of graphite is used in making pencil leads due to its softness.
Lubricant
Graphite's ability to slide between layers makes it an excellent lubricant.
Electrical Applications
Graphite's ability to conduct electricity makes it useful in various electrical applications.
Carbon Dioxide Molecule
Molecular Formula
The molecular formula of carbon dioxide is CO₂.
Linear Structure
Carbon dioxide has a linear structure with the oxygen atoms on opposite
sides of the carbon atom.
Characteristics of Carbon
Tetravalency Catenation Versatility
Tetravalency is the ability of carbon Catenation is the ability of carbon to These two characteristic features of
to form four bonds, allowing it to form long chains, rings, and complex carbon lead to the formation of a
connect with multiple atoms. structures by bonding with other large number of carbon compounds.
carbon atoms.
Organic Compounds
1 Definition 2 Examples 3 Diversity
Organic compounds are a large Examples include alcohols, The ability of carbon to form
group of carbon-containing ketones, carboxylic acids, various types of bonds leads to an
compounds, mainly made up of carbohydrates, and hydrocarbons. enormous diversity of organic
carbon and hydrogen, along with compounds.
other elements like oxygen,
nitrogen, sulfur, and halogens.
Structure of Ethane (C₂H₆)
Structural Formula
The structural formula of ethane (C₂H₆) shows two carbon atoms bonded
by a single covalent bond, with each carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen
atoms, depicted as: H H | | H—C—C—H | | H H
Carbon-Carbon Bond
When the two carbon atoms in ethane are bonded together, three valencies
of each carbon atom remain unsatisfied, which are then bonded to
hydrogen atoms.
Hydrogen Bonds
In ethane (C₂H₆), each carbon atom bonds with three hydrogen atoms.
Structure of Propane (C₃H₈)
1 Carbon Chain
The structure of propane (C₃H₈) consists of three carbon
atoms bonded in a chain.
2 Hydrogen Bonding
The first and third carbon atoms each bonded to three
hydrogen atoms, and the middle carbon atom bonded to two
hydrogen atoms.
3 Structural Formula
The structural formula of propane is: H H H | | | H—C—C—C—H
|||HHH
Saturated vs Unsaturated Carbon
Compounds
Saturated Compounds Unsaturated Compounds Double Bond Condition
Saturated carbon compounds Unsaturated compounds contain If there is a double bond between
contain only single bonds between double or triple bonds between two carbon atoms, one valency per
carbon atoms. carbon atoms. carbon atom remains unsatisfied,
which must be bonded with other
atoms (like hydrogen) to complete
the valency of each carbon atom.
Drawing Carbon Compound
Structures
Link Carbon Atoms
The process involves linking the carbon atoms with single bonds.