Which allotropic form of carbon is thermodynamically the most stable?

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Diamond

Graphite

Fullerenes

Coal

answer is B.

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Detailed Solution

Concept- Allotropy is the property of some elements existing in more than one form. There are 3 allotropes of carbon- graphite, diamond, and fullerene.
Graphite is more stable than diamond and fullerene because its enthalpy of formation ,

Δ H

is smaller than that of both diamond (1.98 kJ mol-1 ) and fullerene (38.1 kJ mol-1 ) at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Graphite also has a layered structure in which all carbon atoms are

{s p^{2}}^{}

hybridised and bonded to three other carbon atoms forming hexagonal rings. Since only three electrons are used, the fourth valence electron is free to move around. Thus, it has a cloud of electrons which is delocalized in the layers of graphite, which is responsible for its high electrical conductivity. This delocalization contributes to its thermal stability.
Thus, thermodynamically graphite is the most stable allotropic form of carbon.
Hence, the correct answer is 2.

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