Survey of the Elements:

1. Element structures2. Oxide structures3. Cool things about some elements

Structures of the Elements

Metals: Close packing

Number of Bonds Possible:

 α-R boron

β-R boron

 γ-boron

Allotropes of Boron: linked B12 icosahedra

Traditional Allotropes of Carbon

New Allotropes of Carbon: Fullerenes

C60

New Allotropes of Carbon: Nanotubes

New Allotropes of Carbon: Graphene

Industrial Production of Diamonds

Why is diamond formed, and not graphite?

Reason 1. Reverse Reaction favors Graphite InstabilityH + diamond CH4, but slower than CVD diamond growthH + graphite CH4, but faster than CVD graphite growth

Reason 2. Forward Reaction favors Diamond Formationsp3 C atoms on surface (show structures) slow sp2 graphite formation.

H2(g) 2 H(g)H(g) + CH4(g) CH3(g) + H2(g)CH3 + C(diamond-H, surface) Diamond-CH3 + H