Question

What are different allotropes of carbon. Discuss in detail.

Answer 1

When an element exists in more than one crystalline form, those forms are called allotropes; the two most common allotropes of carbon are diamond and graphite.

- Diamond is probably the most well known carbon allotrope. The carbon atoms are arranged in a lattice, which is a variation of the face-centered cubic crystal structure. It has superlative physical qualities, most of which originate from the strong covalent bonding between its atoms. Each carbon atom in a diamond is covalently bonded to four other carbons in a tetrahedron. These tetrahedrons together form a three-dimensional network of six-membered carbon rings in the chair conformation, allowing for zero bond-angle strain. This stable network of covalent bonds and hexagonal rings is the reason that diamond is also incredibly strong as a substance.

-Graphite is another allotrope of carbon; unlike diamond, it is an electrical conductor and a semi-metal. Graphite is the most stable form of carbon under standard conditions and is used in thermochemistry as the standard state for defining the heat of formation of carbon compounds. There are three types of natural graphite:

-Crystalline flake graphite: isolated, flat, plate-like particles with hexagonal edges

-Amorphous graphite: fine particles, the result of thermal metamorphism of coal; sometimes called meta-anthracite

-Lump or vein graphite: occurs in fissure veins or fractures, appears as growths of fibrous or acicular crystalline aggregates

Answer 2

carbon is a non metal that exist in different forms..each form is called an allotrope .

Diamond an allotrope of carbon is the hardest natural substance known and has a very high melting point and boiling point...

Graphite another allotrope of carbon is a conductor of electricity..