Carbons, alloys and bonds

Question 1

What is an allotrope?

Answer 1

Different structural forms of the same element in the same physical state

e.g Carbon = Diamonds, Graphites Fullerences (Allotropes of carbon)

Question 2

What type of structures are Diamond and Graphite?

Answer 2

Giant Covalent Structures

Question 3

What does being Giant Covalent Structures make you?

Answer 3

Very Strong
Regular Lattice of Covalently bonded atoms

Question 4

Diamond Properties

Answer 4

• Each carbon atom covalently bonded to 4 other atoms
• Regular 3D Pattern
• Strong (Covalent bonds are strong and need energy to break) + High MP
• Does not conduct electricity (No Delocalised e-)

Question 5

Graphite Properties

Answer 5

• Bonded to 3 other carbon atoms
• Arranged into hexagons (lots of flat sheet layers)
• Layers held together weakly (no covalent bonds, free to slide over) –> Soft
• High MP because individual layers are held together with cov bonds
• Can conduct electricity and heat

Question 6

How can fullerenes be used?

Answer 6

• Form spheres around other molecules to act like a cage (delivering drugs to body)
• Industrial catalysts due to high surface area to volume ratio
• Tubes can be used in nanotechnology and electronics
• Strengthens other materials