ALLOTROPY OF CARBON
Carbon can form small molecules and long chain molecules
➢ Micromolecules-small molecules formed by joining atoms. Eg CH4
➢ Macromolecules-giant structure/very large molecules formed by joining
elements. Usually, they have high melting points. Eg. Allotropes of carbon-
Diamond, Graphite and Fullerene
ALLOTROPES- they are different structures made from the same element but with different
properties.
Carbon shows allotropy. It has 3 allotropes;
• Graphite
• Diamond
• Fullerene
Graphite
Here the carbon atoms are linked up in rings of six side/ hexagonal rings in flat sheets. One
carbon atom is bonded to three other carbon atoms leaving one electron unused/free. The
free electrons move throughout the structure hence called delocalised electrons. The
delocalised electrons enable graphite to conduct electricity. The sheets lie on top of one another
and are held together by weak intermolecular forces. Because of this, the sheets can slide over
each other hence graphite is slippery.
Structure
The properties of graphite are due to its hexagonal rings and also the interactions between the
sheets.
© LSS CHEM DEPARTMENT ‘24
Properties and uses of graphite
1. property: soft and slippery
Reason: the sheets can slide over each other because the rings are held together
by weak forces.
Use: lubricant for heavy machinery
2. property: conducts electricity
Reason: carbon has four valence electrons (C: 2, 4) but only 3 are used to form
four covalent bonds with other carbon atoms. As a result each carbon atom has one
free electron. The free electrons move and so carry electric charge.
Use: electrodes
3. property: flakes off easily/flaky
reason: forces between layers are weak hence layers can easily slide past each other
use: making pencil lead
4. property: it has a high melting point
Reason: it has strong covalent bonds between carbon atoms and is agiant
macromolecular structure. But its melting point is lower than that of diamond because
the covalent bonds do not extend throughout the structure, it sheets or layer held by
week forces.
Diamond
The atoms are arranged in a tetrahedral structure- one carbon atom is bonded to four other
carbon atoms. All the four valence shell electrons in each carbon are used in the bonding hence
does not conduct electricity. The bonds are all strong covalent bonds extending throughout
the structure hence making the strongest natural substance.
© LSS CHEM DEPARTMENT ‘24
Properties and uses of diamond
1. property: it’s very hard and strong
Reason: the tetrahedral structure is rigid, made of very strong covalent
bonds which extend throughout the whole structure.
Use: for cutting glass, polishing diamond, making drill bits and saws
2. property: colourless/ transparent and beautiful
Reason: light enters the crystal and is reflected internally from side to side but
eventually comes out.
Use: jewellery
3. property: does not conduct electricity
Reason: all electrons in the outer shell are used to form covalent bonds with
other carbon atoms. As a result there are no electrons move and so
carry electric charge.
4. property: it has a very high melting point
Reason: it has strong covalent bonds which extend throughout the structure,
Use: -
STRUCTURE OF SILICON DIOXIDE
Silicon Dioxide, found in sand, has a similar structure to Diamond.
Both diamond and silicon dioxide have a tetrahedral structure and a giant molecular structure
made up of many atoms covalently bonded together. In each structure, each atom is bonded
to four other atoms.
Diamond is made up of carbon atoms, while silicon dioxide is made up of silicon and oxygen
atoms.
In Silicon Dioxide, each silicon atom is covalently bonded to four oxygen atoms while
in diamond, each carbon atom is covalently bonded to 3 other carbon atoms.
© LSS CHEM DEPARTMENT ‘24
FULLERENE (C60)
• Fullerenes are a group of carbon allotropes which consist of molecules
that form hollow spheres or tubes of covalently bonded carbon atoms.
Each carbon atom is bonded to 3 other carbon atoms.
• The covalently bonded carbon atoms form rings in the shape of hexagons
and pentagons. The carbon atoms in C60 fullerene are arranged at the
corners of 20 hexagons and 12 pentagons.
• C60 fullerene is known as Buckminster fullerene or “Buckyball”
Note its resemblance in shape to that of a football.
© LSS CHEM DEPARTMENT ‘24
Properties and uses of C60 Fullerene
1. property: Hollow spheres or cages
reason: Carbon atoms covalently bonded together, form rings or spheres that are
hallow.
use: Drug delivery as hallow structure can cage or hold drug that are delivered
To body cells
2. property: Conducts electricity
reason: Carbon has four valence electrons (EC: 2, 4) but only 3 are used to form
covalent bonds with other 3 carbon atoms. As a result, each carbon atom
has one free delocalised electron, which enable fullerene to conduct
electricity
use: Semi-conductors in computers
3. property: Soft and slippery
reason: Weak intermolecular forces which allow C60 molecules to slide past each
other
use: Lubricants
4. property: Large Surface Area
reason: Many joined C60 molecules or buckballs, create a large surface area.
use: Make useful catalysts
© LSS CHEM DEPARTMENT ‘24
© LSS CHEM DEPARTMENT ‘24
