Structure and bonding of carbon

Diamond

• Each carbon forms 4 covalent bonds → very hard, high melting point.

Graphite

• Carbon forms 3 bonds → layers of hexagons

• Layers slide → soft

• 1 delocalised electron per carbon → conducts electricity

Graphene

• Single layer of graphite (one atom thick).

• Extremely strong.

• Excellent conductor.

• Used in electronics and composites.

Fullerenes (e.g., C₆₀ Buckminsterfullerene)

• Hollow cages or tubes of carbon atoms.

• Uses: drug delivery, catalysts, lubricants.