Carbon

Carbon, C, is a non-metallic element found in Group IVb of the periodic table. Carbon has two main allotropic forms (i.e. diamond with a relative density of 3.52 and graphite with a relative density of 2.25).

Atomic Number : 6
Atomic Mass : 12.0115
Melting Point : 3550 degC
Boiling Point : 4200 degC
Density : 2.25 (graphite)

There are two stable Isotopes of carbon, having mass numbers 12 and 13, and four radioactive isotopes (mass numbers 10, 11, 14, and 15).
Carbon-14 is used in carbon dating.

Chemically, Carbon is unique in its ability to form many compounds containing chains and rings of carbon atoms. This property is responsible for the vast number of Organic Compounds.

Carbon compounds which incorporate other elements including hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen are essential for life, as we know it. Without Carbon, life would not exist.

Discovery

Carbon was known from the earliest times, in the form of charcoal and natural diamonds.

Occurrence

Carbon exists as its compounds in all living things, animal and vegetable.
Carbon in elemental form occurs in Coal, Charcoal, and Diamond.

Properties

Carbon has two main allotropic forms (i.e. diamond with a relative density of 3.52 and graphite with a relative density of 2.25).

Graphite
The carbon in graphite is arranged in an extended planar crystal structure. This physical structure of graphite gives it its lubricant properties, as the planes of carbon atoms can easily slide one over the another.
Diamond
The carbon in diamond is arranged in an extended three dimensional lattice. This physical structure of diamonds gives them their great hardness.

Compounds of Carbon

Carbon is a core element in all compounds connected with life and the branch of chemistry which deals with these compounds is called Organic Chemistry. Organic compounds are primarily compounds of carbon with hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen, although compounds with small number of other elements are also formed, including sulphur, phosphorus and the halogens.

All other compounds of carbon are studied in the branch of chemistry called Inorganic Chemistry, which deals with the simple compounds formed by all elements in the periodic table.

There are two oxides of carbon, carbon dioxide which the principal product of combustion of carbon and hydrocarbon fuels in the present of an ample supply of oxygen (or air) and carbon monoxide which is a minor product formed during combustion, particularly is a limited supply of oxygen (or air).

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