Overview
Carbon forms the backbone of organic molecules and exists as graphite, diamond and amorphous forms with unique properties.
Properties
It forms four covalent bonds, enabling vast chemical diversity, and exhibits high thermal stability in certain allotropes.
Occurrence and Uses
Ubiquitous in living systems and fossil fuels, carbon is used in materials, energy, polymers and nanotechnology.
Isotopes and Safety
Stable isotopes C 12 and C 13 and radioactive C 14 are important in dating and tracer studies; elemental carbon dust can pose inhalation hazards.