As a continuation of the previous blog on Carbon and its Compounds, let us discuss some more important terms and topics.

DIAMOND:
Hardness of Diamond
In diamond, each carbon atom lies at the center of a regular tetrahedron and is covalently bonded with four carbon atoms located at its four corners. The tightly bonded three-dimensional tetrahedral arrangement of carbon atoms produces a rigid network and makes diamond the hardest substance.

Structure of Diamond

GRAPHITE:
Carbon arrangement in Graphite
Each carbon in graphite is covalently bonded to only three neighboring carbon atoms forming layers of hexagonal networks, separated by a comparatively larger distance. Because of this distance between two successive layers, the possibility of a covalent bond being formed between the carbon atoms lying in opposite layers is ruled out. These layers slide over one another.

Structure of Graphite


Conductivity of Graphite
Graphite conducts electricity because it has free electrons to carry electric current. But, this does not happen in the condition of Diamond.

NOTE:
Diamond and Graphite are chemically identical. When heated strongly in air diamond and graphite leave no residue, but all; are converted into carbon-dioxide.

HYDROCARBONS Definition Hydrocarbons are compounds of carbon and hydrogen only. For example,
Methane is a hydrocarbon formed by one-carbon and four-hydrogen atoms.

Some facts about Methane: → In nature, Methane is formed by the decay of plants and animals (organic materials).
→ Methane gas is also used as a fuel.
→ Methane gas is the major component of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
→ Methane is also called Marsh Gas.
→ Methane is a non-toxic gas.

Saturated Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons in which the carbon atoms are linked by simple bonds only are called Saturated Hydrocarbons.
Unsaturated Hydrocarbons
The open chain hydrocarbons in which the carbon atoms are linked by double or triple bonds are called Unsaturated Hydrocarbons.

More about Saturated Hydrocarbons
Alkanes
Open chain hydrocarbons in which carbon atoms are linked by single bonds only are called Alkanes. The general formula of alkane is: C_nH_2n+2, where n = 1, 2, 3, ...
For example: C₂H₆ - Ethane.

Alkyl:
A group of atoms obtained by removing one hydrogen atom from an Alkane are called Alkyl. The general formula of alkyl is: C_nH_2n+1, where n = 1, 2, 3, ...
For example: C₂H₅ - Ethyl.

Cycloalkanes
Close chain hydrocarbons in which carbon atoms are linked by single bones only, also called cyclix are called Cycloalkanes. Its general formula is C_nH_2n.
For example: C₃H₆ - Cyclopropane.

We define organic chemistry as the chemistry of carbon compounds
- August Kekule

More about Unsaturated Hydrocarbons
Alkenes
The unsaturated hydrocarbons which contain double bonds are called Alkenes. Its general formula is C_nH_2n. For example: C₄H₈ - Butene.

Alkynes
Open chain hydrocarbons containing carbon-carbon triple bond are called Alkynes. Its general formula is C_nH_2n-2. For example: C₄H₆ - Butyne.