Carbons refer to the chemical elements that belong to the carbon group, which is the fourteenth group on the periodic table of elements. Carbon is a versatile element and forms the basis of organic chemistry, as it is involved in the construction of almost all biomolecules. In its pure form, carbon is a nonmetallic and tetravalent element. It can bond with other carbon atoms to form long chains or rings, giving rise to the variety of organic compounds found in nature.
Furthermore, carbons can exist in various allotropes, including graphite, diamond, and fullerenes. Graphite is a form of carbon with layered crystal structures that provide excellent conductivity. Diamond, on the other hand, is the hardest known natural substance produced from carbon atoms arranged in a tightly-packed tetrahedral lattice. Fullerenes are carbon molecules with hollow cage-like structures, such as the well-known buckyballs.
Carbons are present in numerous substances encountered in daily life, such as carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, and fats. These biological macromolecules consist of chains or rings of carbon atoms linked together, along with other elements like hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus. The unique properties of carbon make it the backbone for life as we know it, playing a fundamental role in organic chemistry, materials science, and various industries.
