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Carbon notes

Carbon, with the symbol C and atomic number 6, is a vital non-metal element that forms the basis of organic compounds essential for life. It exhibits catenation, allowing it to form various compounds and allotropes, including crystalline forms like diamond and graphite, and amorphous forms like coal and charcoal. Each allotrope has distinct properties and uses, such as diamond's hardness and transparency for jewelry and cutting tools, and graphite's conductivity and lubricating properties.

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18 views

Carbon notes

Carbon, with the symbol C and atomic number 6, is a vital non-metal element that forms the basis of organic compounds essential for life. It exhibits catenation, allowing it to form various compounds and allotropes, including crystalline forms like diamond and graphite, and amorphous forms like coal and charcoal. Each allotrope has distinct properties and uses, such as diamond's hardness and transparency for jewelry and cutting tools, and graphite's conductivity and lubricating properties.

Uploaded by

CHANDANI SHARMA
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Carbon and Its Compounds:

What is Carbon?​
Carbon is an essential element for life with the symbol C, atomic number 6, and
valency 4. It is a non-metal, and its name originates from the Latin word 'carbo,'
meaning coal. Carbon constitutes about 0.02% of the Earth's crust (as carbonates,
coal, and petroleum) and 0.03% of the atmosphere (as CO₂). Despite its limited
abundance, carbon is vital because it forms the basis of organic compounds found
in all living organisms.

Daily-Life Carbon Compounds:

●​ Food: Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins


●​ Clothing: Cotton, silk, wool, nylon, terylene
●​ Fuels: Petrol, diesel, LPG, CNG, kerosene
●​ Medicines: Antibiotics, analgesics, antipyretics
●​ Plastics: Polythene, PVC, polystyrene
●​ Others: Wood, paper, paints, inks

Catenation:​
Carbon exhibits catenation, the ability to form long chains, rings, and multiple
bonds (double or triple) with other carbon atoms or elements like oxygen and
nitrogen. This property allows carbon to form a vast array of compounds and
allotropes.

Allotropes of Carbon:​
Allotropes are different physical forms of the same element with similar chemical
properties but different structures. The term originates from the Greek words ‘allos’
(other) and ‘tropos’ (manner).

●​ Crystalline Allotropes: Diamond, Graphite, Fullerene


●​ Amorphous Allotropes: Coal, Charcoal, Coke, Soot

Difference Between Crystalline and Amorphous Carbon:

Crystalline Amorphous
Definite geometric shape No definite shape
Sharp edges/planes No sharp edges
Definite melting point No definite melting point
More rigid Less rigid
Examples: Diamond, Graphite, Fullerene Examples: Coal, Charcoal, Coke
The crystalline forms of carbon—diamond, graphite, and fullerenes—are different
structures of carbon atoms, called allotropes. Although they are all made of carbon,
their properties differ because of how the carbon atoms are arranged.

1. Diamond

●​ Appearance: Colorless, transparent, and has a brilliant shine.


●​ Structure: Each carbon atom is covalently bonded to four other carbon atoms,
forming a rigid three-dimensional tetrahedral structure.
●​ Properties:
○​ Hardest natural substance due to strong covalent bonds.
○​ Does not conduct electricity (no free electrons) but is a good conductor
of heat.
○​ Has a very high melting point (above 3500°C).
○​ Insoluble in all solvents.
○​ Sparkles due to a high refractive index.
●​ Uses:
○​ Jewelry
○​ Cutting tools (glass cutters, rock drills)
○​ Eye surgery tools (cataract removal)
○​ Windows in spacecraft (because of durability and transparency)

2. Graphite

●​ Appearance: Greyish-black, opaque, soft, and slippery.


●​ Structure: Carbon atoms are arranged in flat layers of hexagonal rings, where
each carbon atom is bonded to three others. The layers are held together by
weak forces and can slide over one another. The fourth electron of each
carbon is free, making graphite a good conductor of electricity.
●​ Properties:
○​ Soft and slippery (used as a lubricant).
○​ Good conductor of electricity due to free-moving electrons.
○​ High melting point (about 3700°C).
○​ Leaves a black mark on paper (hence used in pencils).
●​ Uses:
○​ Lubricant for machinery
○​ Electrodes in batteries (dry cells)
○​ Pencil leads (mixed with clay)
○​ Moderator in nuclear reactors (slows down neutrons)
○​ Heat-resistant crucibles (due to high melting point)
○​ Used in paints and polishes
3. Fullerene (Buckminsterfullerene or Buckyball)

●​ Structure: Spherical molecules of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a pattern


similar to a soccer ball, made of 20 hexagons and 12 pentagons.
●​ Discovery: By Sir Harold Kroto, Richard Smalley, and Robert Curl. Named
after architect Buckminster Fuller because its shape resembles his geodesic
domes.
●​ Properties:
○​ Dark solid at room temperature
○​ Neither very hard nor soft
○​ Good conductor of electricity
●​ Uses:
○​ Used in nanotechnology and electronics
○​ Potential applications in medicine (drug delivery systems)
○​ Used in superconductors

Differences Between Diamond and Graphite:


Property Diamond Graphite
Hardness Hardest natural Soft and slippery
substance
Electrical Non-conductor Good conductor
Conductivity
Structure Tetrahedral, 3D rigid Layered, hexagonal
structure sheets
Appearance Colorless and Greyish-black and
transparent opaque
Uses Jewelry, cutting tools, Lubricants, pencils,
surgery electrodes

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