Question

The reason for carbon to show allotropic forms is :

• A. Catenation
• B. $p\pi$-$p\pi$ bond formation.
• C. $\sigma$-$\sigma$ bond formation.
• D. (a) and (b) above.

Answer 1

The correct option is D (a) and (b) above.

Due to the property of catenation and $p\pi$-$p\pi$ bond formation, carbon is able to show allotropic forms.
Allotropic forms of carbon can be crystalline and amorphous.

Diamond and graphite are two well-known crystalline forms of carbon. Third form of carbon known as fullerenes was discovered by H.W. Kroto, E Smalley and R.F. Curl in 1985