Question

Which of the following is not an allotropic form of carbon?
A. Fluorine
B. Fullerene
C. Diamond
D. Graphite

Answer 1

Hint: Carbon is found in many forms in nature and these forms are referred to as allotropes of carbon. These forms differ from each other in many physical properties but exist in the same state. Find out which option is an allotrope of carbon and you will get your answer.


Complete step by step solution:
Allotropy is defined as the property of an element to exist in different physical forms even in the same state. This arises due to the differences in the structure of the various forms of the element. Generally, carbon exists in three different allotropic forms and each form is known as an allotrope of the element.
The three different allotropes of carbon are:
- Diamond: In this form, carbon is tetrahedral bonded to the other carbon atoms. It is considered as a precious element and is formed in extreme temperature and pressure conditions. Due to its hard nature, it is used in several industrial applications.
- Graphite: In this form, carbon is present in hexagonal layers held together by the weak Van der Waals forces. It is greyish in colour and conducts electricity.
- Fullerene: This form of carbon exists in large spherical molecules containing approximately sixty carbon atoms. These are also called “Buckminsterfullerene” or “buckyballs”. They have a football like arrangement of carbon atoms.
As per the given options, we see that fluorine which is the only option which is not an allotrope of carbon rather it is another element present in the periodic table having atomic number nine and considered as a halogen.


Hence, the correct option is A.


Note: Carbon shows the maximum number of allotropes. This is because of its tetravalency and catenation property. Catenation means a property to form long chains of compounds and tetravalency means sharing of four electrons with other atoms to form bonds.