Carbon

What this chapter covers

1. Carbon — Properties and Occurrence

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   • Properties of CarbonCatenation gives over a million compounds.
   • Isotopes of CarbonC-12, C-13 and radioactive C-14.
   • Occurrence of CarbonFree as diamond, graphite; in carbonates.
   • AllotropySame element, different physical forms.

2. Diamond and Graphite

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   • Structure of DiamondEach carbon bonded to four others.
   • Properties of DiamondHardest known substance; brilliant, transparent.
   • Uses of DiamondJewellery, cutting glass, drilling rocks.
   • Structure of GraphiteHexagonal layers; each carbon bonded thrice.
   • Properties of GraphiteGreyish-black; conducts heat and electricity.
   • Uses of GraphitePencil 'lead' and conducting electrodes.

3. Amorphous Carbon

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   • CoalDead plants become coal over ages.
   • CokeSmokeless, porous residue of heated coal.
   • Lampblack and SootCarbon-rich materials burnt in limited air.
   • Experiments on Coke and CharcoalCharcoal adsorbs gases and reduces oxides.

4. Carbon Dioxide

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   • Discovery and OccurrenceJoseph Black called it 'fixed air'.
   • Laboratory PreparationMarble chips with dilute hydrochloric acid.
   • Tests for Carbon DioxideTurns limewater milky, extinguishes splinter.
   • Physical PropertiesColourless, heavier than air, fairly soluble.
   • Chemical PropertiesAcidic; forms carbonic acid with water.
   • Uses of Carbon DioxideUsed in photosynthesis and fire extinguishers.

5. Carbon Monoxide

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   • Sources and OccurrenceFuels burnt in insufficient oxygen.
   • Laboratory PreparationCarbon dioxide passed over heated charcoal.
   • Physical PropertiesColourless, odourless, slightly lighter than air.
   • Chemical PropertiesBurns with pale blue flame.
   • Tests for Carbon MonoxideBurning product turns limewater milky.
   • Uses of Carbon MonoxideFuel gases, metallurgy and making methanol.

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