ALLOTROPES OF CARBON

Diamond Graphite Buckminsterfullerene Graphene answers

Structure

Structure type (giant giant covalent structure giant covalent structure simple molecular giant covalent structure
covalent / simple
molecular)

Formula C C C₆₀ C

Number of covalent 4 3 3 3
bonds each C atom
forms

Melting & boiling points Very high Very high Not so high Very high • Not so high
• Very high
• Very high
• Very high

Reason for melting & Need to break strong covalent Need to break strong covalent Need to overcome relatively weak Need to break strong covalent • Need to break strong covalent bonds •
boiling points bonds bonds forces between molecules (no bonds Need to break strong covalent bonds •
covalent bonds broken) Need to break strong covalent bonds •
Need to overcome relatively weak
forces
between molecules (no covalent
bonds broken)

Electrical conductivity Insulator Conducter Insulator Conducter • Insulator

• Insulator
• Conductor
 • Conductor

Reason for electrical Has no delocalised electrons Has delocalised electrons that can Has delocalised electrons but they Has delocalised electrons that can • Has delocalised electrons that can
conductivity carry charge through structure cannot move from one molecule to carry charge through structure carry charge through structure
• Has delocalised electrons that can
another
carry charge through structure
• Has delocalised electrons but they
cannot move from one molecule to
another
• Has no delocalised electrons

Strength Very strong Soft and brittle Soft and brittle Very hard and strong • Soft and brittle
• Soft and brittle
• Very strong
• Very hard & strong

© www.CHEMSHEETS.co.uk 20-February-2016 Chemsheets GCSE 1069