allotropy

Also known as allotropism

thumb|193x193px|Diamond and [[graphite are two allotropes of carbon: pure forms of the same element that differ in crystalline structure.]]

AI overview

Allotropy is when the same chemical element exists in different pure forms that have different structures and properties—like how carbon can be either diamond or graphite. This matters because the same element can behave very differently depending on how its atoms are arranged, which affects what uses it can have.

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Image: Diamond and graphite.jpg

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Commons category: Allotropy

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Article

12 sections

Contents

History
Differences in properties of an element's allotropes
List of allotropes
Non-metals
Metalloids
Metals
Lanthanides and actinides
Nanoallotropes
See also
Notes
References
External links

thumb|193x193px|Diamond and [[graphite are two allotropes of carbon: pure forms of the same element that differ in crystalline structure.]]

Allotropy or allotropism () is the property of some chemical elements to exist in two or more different forms, in the same physical state, known as allotropes of the elements. Allotropes are different structural modifications of an element: the atoms of the element are bonded together in different manners. For example, the allotropes of carbon include diamond (the carbon atoms are bonded together to form a cubic lattice of tetrahedra), graphite (the carbon atoms are bonded together in sheets of a hexagonal lattice), graphene (single sheets of graphite), and fullerenes (the carbon atoms are bonded together in spherical, tubular, or ellipsoidal formations).