![]() ![]() Scientists often use structural formulas to show the number and arrangement of atoms in a compounds. A molecular formula however does not show the structure of the molecule. ![]() In chemistry we use a molecular formula to show how many atoms of each element are present in a molecule. Ethane contains two carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms. ![]() Ethane is another example of a simple hydrocarbon. The compound methane contains one carbon bonded to four hydrogens. The simplest organic compounds contain molecules composed of carbon and hydrogen. Notice the geometric patterns of pentagons and hexagons that form the familiar icosohedron.Ī java applet that shows the fullerene and allows rotation of the image is now available here. The figure shown below on the left is one form composed of 60 carbons. The Molecule of the Month Page has recently included information on diamond located here.Ī third class of carbon compounds has recently been discovered. We urge you to download these structures to your home computer and use one of the suggested 3-D viewers. The 3-D coordinates for graphite and diamond are available in the EDinformatics 3D Structural Database. This explains why diamonds are so hard and have such a high melting point.įor 3D structures and images of carbon molecules using Jsmol - ( graphite, diamond and fullerene) see: Interactive Molecules Page On the other hand, in diamond each carbon atom is the same distance to each of its neighboring carbon atoms. This allows layers of carbon to slide overeach other in graphite. But, only weak forces exist between layers. There are strong covalent bonds between carbon atoms in each layer. If both are made only of carbon what gives them different properties? The answer lies in the way the carbon atoms form bonds with each other. Diamond is the hardest substance known to man. This allows carbon to form many different compounds of varying size and shape.Ĭarbon alone forms the familiar substances graphite and diamond. Carbon can combine with other elements as well as with itself. Since this energy shell can hold eight electrons, each carbon atom can share electrons with up to four different atoms. ![]() The element carbonĬarbon has four electrons in its valence shell (outershell). In addition, carbon is a very special element because it plays a dominant role in the chemistry of life. It is in the food you eat, the clothes you wear, the cosmetics you use and the gasoline that fuels your car. Carbon is found in many different compounds. ![]()
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