Table of contents |
|
What are Allotropes of Carbon? |
|
Diamond |
|
Graphite |
|
Fullerene |
|
What are Hydrocarbons? |
|
Carbon is found in various forms in nature, each with distinct physical properties. While diamond and graphite consist of carbon atoms, the way these atoms bond together distinguishes one form from the other.
The phenomenon of the existence of allotropic forms of an element is called allotropy. Allotropes are the different forms of the same element having different physical properties but almost similar chemical properties due to different arrangements of atoms.
Allotropes of Carbon
The allotropes of carbon can be categorized into two:
The most well-known crystalline carbon allotropes include: Diamond, Graphite, Fullerenes, Carbon Nanotubes
Let us now take a look into the more widely known allotropes of carbon:
Diamond is a crystalline allotrope of carbon. Its atomic symbol & empirical formula is 'C'
In a diamond, each carbon atom is covalently bonded to four other carbon atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement. This tetrahedral arrangement of carbon atoms gives a rigid, three-dimensional structure to diamonds.
Because of the rigid structure of diamonds:
Graphite is also known as black lead, it marks paper black. The name graphite has been taken from the Greek word ''graphein" (which means to write) in reference to its uses as 'lead' in lead pencils.
![]() |
Download the notes
Allotropes of Carbon & Hydrocarbons
|
Download as PDF |
Fullerene was discovered in 1985 by Robert F. Curl Jr, Harold Kroto and Richard E. Smalley.
Preparation of Fullerene
Properties of Fullerene
Uses of Fullerene
Compounds formed by the combination of carbon and hydrogen atoms only are known as hydrocarbons.
Classification of Hydrocarbons
Some examples of saturated hydrocarbons
(a) Alkenes (>C=C<): The hydrocarbons in which the two carbon atoms are bonded by a double bond are called alkenes.
Their general formula is CnH2n where "n" is the number of carbon atoms.Some examples of alkenes
(b) Alkyne (-C≡C-): The hydrocarbons in which two carbon atoms are bonded by a triple bond are called alkynes.
Their general formula is CnH2n-2 where 'n' is the number of carbon atoms.
80 videos|438 docs|74 tests
|
1. What are the main allotropes of carbon? | ![]() |
2. How do the physical properties of diamond and graphite differ? | ![]() |
3. What are hydrocarbons and how are they classified? | ![]() |
4. What are some common uses of hydrocarbons? | ![]() |
5. How do the environmental impacts of hydrocarbons affect their usage? | ![]() |