Periodic Table
6
C
12.011
Carbon
NonmetalBackbone of organic chemistry; catenation; allotropes diamond, graphite, fullerene.
Electronic Configuration
1s² 2s² 2p²or1s² 2s² 2p²
Electron shells
2e⁻n=1
4e⁻n=2
Properties
Atomic number
6
Atomic mass
12.011 u
Category
Nonmetal
Block / Group / Period
p · 14 · 2
Valence electrons
4
Oxidation states
+4, +2, -4
Electronegativity
2.55
Atomic radius
67 pm
Ionization energy
1087 kJ/mol
Electron affinity
122 kJ/mol
Melting point
3823 K / 3550 °C
Boiling point
4098 K / 3825 °C
Density
2.27 g/cm³
State at 25 °C
solid
JEE / NEET notes
- Catenation maximum among elements.
- Diamond: sp³, 3D network, hardest natural substance, bad conductor.
- Graphite: sp², layers, conducts electricity, lubricant.
- Fullerene (C₆₀): sp², soccer-ball, only pure form soluble in organic solvents.
Uses
Steel making · Graphite electrodes & lubricant · Diamond abrasives · Activated carbon
Important compounds
CO₂COCH₄Na₂CO₃
Did you know? Graphite and diamond are allotropes — same element, opposite properties.
Personal Notes
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