Allotropes of Carbon

Allotropes of Carbon are the forms of carbon that have different structures and properties. Allotrope is the phenomenon in which an element can exist in more than one physical state. The well-known allotropes of carbon are Diamond and Graphite. Various other allotropes of carbon are explained in the article below.

In this article, we will learn about, Allotropes of carbon, types of allotropes of carbon, examples, and others in detail.

Allotropes of Carbon Definition

Allotropes of carbon are different forms of the element carbon, each with unique molecular structures and properties.

Carbon is one of the most important elements of the periodic table and is represented by the letter ‘C’. There are various physical forms in which carbon can exist. It has variable oxidation state and coordination number.

Types of Allotropes of Carbon

Allotropes of Carbon are of various types that are categorized into two different categories that are,

• Crystalline Allotropes
• Amorphous Allotropes

Let’s discuss them in detail.

Crystalline Allotropes of Carbon

There are various crystalline allotropes of carbon, some of which are as follows:

• Diamond
• Graphite
• Fullerene
• Carbon Nanotubes

Let’s discuss these in detail.

Diamond

Diamond is a kind of carbon that has its atoms organised in a cubic crystal structure. Another solid form of carbon known as graphite is the chemically stable form of carbon at normal temperature and pressure, although it nearly never transforms to it.

It has the highest hardness and thermal conductivity of any natural substance, characteristics that make it ideal for cutting and polishing equipment in the industry.

Structure of Diamond

The structure of the diamond is added in the image added below,

Structure of Diamond.

Properties of Diamond

Various properties of the diamond are,

• Diamond is one of the hardest known element in the world.
• Diamond has a very high melting point.
• The density of the diamond is very high.
• The refcraive index of the diamond is one of the highest.
• Diamond is insoluble in all solvents.

Graphite

Carbon atoms in Graphite is in a state of sp² hybridization, which means it is covalently linked to three other carbon atoms in the same plane. Planar hexagonal rings are produced as a result. Layers are formed by hexagonal rings. Van der Waal’s force holds the layers together, while 142 pm separates them. Because these layers are able to slide over one another, graphite is soft and lubricious.

Properties of Graphite

Various properties of the graphite are,

• It has a metallic sheen and is dark grey in colour.
• Touching it feels extremely soft and oily.
• The fourth valence electron of each Carbon is free to travel since only three electrons of each Carbon are required to make hexagonal rings in graphite. As a result, graphite is a strong heat and electrical conductor.
• Dilute acids, alkalis, and chlorine do not dissolve the graphite

Fullerene

Fullerene, is one of the crystaline allotropic form of the carbon and its composition is C_2n where n ≥ 30. Thses allotrope of the carbon is not found in nature but is prepared in laboratory by evapourating Graphite with a laser. Fullerene can be easily dissolved in organic solvents.

The Fullerene C₆₀ is called ‘Buckminster Fullerene’. All the atoms in Buckminster fullerene are sp² hybridized. Buckminster Fullerene is called Buckey Ball because its shape represents a soccer ball. They have remarkable properties, such as exceptional strength and electrical conductivity, and they find applications in nanotechnology, material science, and even medicine due to their potential in drug delivery systems.

In honour of American architect Robert Buckminster Fuller, the C60 fullerenes are sometimes known as Buckminster Fullerene or simply Fullerene.

Structure of C₆₀ Fullerenes

Buckminister Fullerene is a allotrope of carbon which is in the shape of a soccer ball and the structure of the Fullerene is added in the image below,

Structure of fullerenes

Properties of Fullerene

Various properties of Fullerene are :

• When the temperature is changed, the behaviour and structure of fullerene change. The fullerene is transformed to the C₇₀ form at a greater temperature.
• Under changing pressures, the structure of fullerene changes.
• It has an ionisation enthalpy of 7.61 electron volts.
• It has an electron affinity of 2.6 to 2.8 electron volts.
• In chemical processes, fullerene (C₆₀) mimics an electrophile.
• It has the ability to behave as an electron acceptor. It can readily receive three or more electrons. As a result, it has the potential to act as an oxidising agent.
• It is doped with alkali or alkaline earth metals to achieve superconductivity.
• It is ferromagntic in nature.
• It is highly soluble in organic solvent.

Carbon Nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are cylindrical nanostructures made of carbon atoms arranged in a unique way. They are part of the larger family of nanomaterials and have exceptional mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties due to their unique structure and size.

The basic structure of a carbon nanotube consists of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice and rolled into a seamless cylindrical tube. There are two main types of carbon nanotubes:

1. Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs)
2. Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs)

Characteristic	Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs)	Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs)
Layers	Single layer of carbon atoms.	Multiple layers of carbon atoms.
Structure	Rolled into a cylindrical structure.	Consist of concentric cylinders.
Diameter and Length	Varying diameters and lengths.	Varying diameters, lengths, and number of layers.
Chirality	Properties vary based on chirality.	Properties influenced by the arrangement of layers.
Properties	Vary depending on chirality.	Influenced by the number and arrangement of layers.

Properties of Carbon Nanotubes

Various properties of the carbon nanotubes are,

Strength and Stiffness: Carbon nanotubes have exceptional mechanical properties, with tensile strengths several times greater than steel. They are also very stiff and can withstand considerable deformation without breaking.

Electrical Conductivity: Carbon nanotubes are excellent conductors of electricity, making them suitable for a wide range of electrical and electronic applications.

Thermal Conductivity: They possess high thermal conductivity, which makes them valuable for heat dissipation in various applications.

Lightweight: Carbon nanotubes are incredibly lightweight, which further enhances their appeal for use in various industries.

Amorphous Allotropes of Carbon

Various alloropes of the carbon also exist in amorphous form and some them are,

Coal

Coal is naturally formed in nature by carbonization of wood. If wood is subjected to high pressure and high temperature in the absence of the air then it forms coal.

Uses of Coal :

• Coal is used as fuel.
• Coal is used in manufacturing of Steel, Water Gas and Producer Gas.
• Some type of coal is used for producing Graphite.

Carbon Black

When vegetable oil (rich in carbon) is burnt in the limited supply of oxygen (air) a black reidue is formed this is called carbon black or lamp black. It is used in making Ink, Carbon Paper, Varnishes and Paints. Kajal a cosmetic product is formed using carbon black.

Charcoal

When wood is heated in very limited supply of the air wood charcoal is formed. Simillarly when bones of animal is heated in limited supply of air animal charcoal is formed.

Uses of Allotropes of Carbon

Let’s discuss the use cases of various allotropes here, such as diamonds, graphite, fullerenes, etc.

Uses of Diamond

Diamond has various uses that are,

• Diamonds are used to cut glass cutters, marble saws, and rock drilling tools, among other things.
• Because of their exceptional brightness, they are utilised in jewellery.
• Sharp-edged diamonds are used by eye surgeons to remove cataracts from the eyes with remarkable precision.
• Diamond dies are used to draw very thin metal wires such as tungsten.

Uses of Graphite

Various uses of the Graphites are,

• It is used to make carbon arcs and electrodes.
• It is a lubricant for equipment that operate at high temperatures.
• Lead pencils are made with this material. Graphite powder is combined with clay and formed into sticks. Pencils are made from these sticks.
• It is employed in atomic reactors as a moderator.
• It is utilized in steel production as a reducing agent.
• It is a component of high-strength composites.
• It is utilised to make Crucibles, which can resist extremely high temperatures.

Use of Fullerene

Various uses of the fullerene are,

• Conductors made of fullerene are utilised.
• It has the ability to absorb gases.
• Lubricants made of fullerene are utilised.
• It is utilised in the manufacture of cosmetics-related products in several forms.
• It is utilised in biological applications in some ways.

Uses of Charcoal

Charcola is used for various purposes that are,

• Charcoal is used as a fuel.
• It is used as an Antiperspirant and in purification of various chemicals.
• It is also used in making Gun powder.

Related :

• Carbon
• Carbon Family
• Diamond and Graphite
• Chemical Properties of Carbon Compounds

FAQs on Allotropes of Carbon

What are Allotropes of Carbon?

Allotropes of carbon are different structural forms of the carbon element, wherein carbon atoms are arranged in distinct configurations. These arrangements lead to various physical and chemical properties, resulting in unique materials with diverse applications. Allotropes can be considered as “different versions” of the same element.

What are 4 Main Allotropes of Carbon?

The four main allotropes of carbon are,

• Diamond
• Graphite
• Graphene
• Bukminsterfullere

What is Allotropy?

Allotropy refers to the phenomenon where an element can exist in two or more different forms in the same physical state (solid, liquid, or gas) under standard conditions.

What are the Two Types of Allotropes?

The two types of the Allotropes are,

• Monotropic
• Enanitropic

What is the Latest Discovered Allotrope of Carbon?

The latest discovered allotrope of the carbon is Fullerene (C₆₀).

Who discovered Carbon?

The carbon is used by ancient Eqgypition and Sumarian in 2000 BC but the element of carbon was first discovered by french scientist Antoine Lavoisier.

Which Allotropes of Carbon are in Solid State?

Graphite and Diamond are allotropes of Carbon that occur in the solid state.

Which Allotrope of Carbon is the Hardest?

Diamond is the Hardest Allotrope of the Carbon.

What is the Purest Form of Carbon?

Generally the purest form of carbon is consider to be “Diamond”.