1R50.20 Crystal Models (Carbon Allotropes)

Concepts

Crystal structures, allotropes

Overview

The models demonstrate various crystal structures for carbon.

Details

Equipment

  • [1] Graphite model
  • [1] Diamond model
  • [1] Buckminsterfullerene model

Script

This is a show-and-tell demo that allows you to compare and contrast allotropes of carbon. Here are some data:

  • Graphite (alpha form)
    Layer C-C distance: 1.42 Å
    Scale 2.5 cm = 1 Å for CSL model
  • Diamond
    Cubic cell shown
  • Buckminsterfullerene (C60)
    C-C distance: average 1.44 Å 
    Single bonds (pentagon edges): 1.46 Å 
    Double bonds (hexagon edges): 1.40 A 
    Mean ball diameter (C atoms treated as points): 6.83 Å 
    Inner/outer ball diameter: 6.83 +/- 3.35 Å 
    FCC lattice constant: 14.17 Å

 

Additional Resources

References

  • PIRA 1R50.20

Disclaimer

  • Don't attempt this at home!

Last revised

  • 2018

Technicals

  • There are two graphite models, one each made by Leybold and Crystal Structures Limited. The diamond model was manufactured by Leybold. The Buckminsterfullerene model was made by Klinger.

Related demos

 

If you have any questions about the demos or notes you would like to add to this page, contact Ricky Chu at ricky_chu AT sfu DOT ca.