Question

What is meant by allotropy? How are all the allotropic forms of Carbon classified?

Answer 1

Part 1: Allotropy

1. The phenomenon whereby an element can exist in more than one form is known as allotropy.

Part 2:

1. The allotropic forms of Carbon are crystalline form, amorphous (non-crystalline)form, and fullerenes.
2. Crystalline: There are two crystalline forms of Carbon: Diamond and Graphite. These are the purest forms of Carbon.
3. Amorphous: Carbon amorphous allotropes include coke, coal, lampblack, animal charcoal, carbon black and charcoal. Such Carbon is also called noncrystalline allotropic forms of Carbon.
4. Fullerenes: This molecule is also called Buckminsterfullerene(C₆₀). Almost spherical, it contains 60 atoms. The substance is molecular in structure and soluble in Benzene.