Diamond and Graphite

• Allotropes


  Different forms of a single element in the same physical state
• Allotropes have the same chemical properties because they are both composed of the same element
• Allotropes have different physical properties because the atoms are bonded differently
• Diamond


  • Each carbon atom is bonded covalently to four others which are arranged in a tetrahedron around it
  • This creates a three-dimensional arrangement of carbon atoms throughout the crystal
• Graphite


  • Each carbon is bonded covalently to three others to form hexagonal rings of atoms which are bonded together to form layers
  • The layers have weak forces of attraction between them which hold them together
  • The fourth electron from each atom becomes delocalized and can move within the lattice