Three isotopes of carbon are naturally generated, among the most stable, 12C and 13C, while the radioactive isotope 14C has a decay half-life of about 5730 years.
It is one of the few elements known since Antiquity, it is a fundamental pillar of organic chemistry. It is found on the planet in a simple state like diamonds and coal.
Also in organic compounds such as petroleum, biomass and natural gas and in organic compounds of CaCO3 and CO2. Also, various new carbon-based structures such as carbon black, activated carbon, nanotubes, fibers, graphene, and fullerenes have been synthesized.
Carbon is the 15th most abundant element on Earth and the fourth most abundant element in the universe by mass after helium, hydrogen and oxygen. The species diversity of organic compounds, the element’s abundance, and its unusual ability to create polymers at temperatures common to Earth allow carbon to be used as a common component of life. It is the second most abundant element in the body after oxygen.
Uses of carbon
Petroleum is obtained by distillation of gasoline, refineries, oils and kerosene; also being the raw material used for the production of plastics. While natural gas prevails as an energy source through clean combustion.
A combination of graphite and clay is made to make pencil leads. It is also used as an additive in lubricants. Anti-radar paints used in military aircraft and vehicle camouflage are graphite-based, intercalated with other chemical compounds present in their layers. This is characterized by being soft and black. Its atoms are distributed in parallel layers quite divided with each other. It is created at a lower pressure than with diamond. This means that the lead of a pen and that of a diamond have the same chemical composition of carbon.
The isotope carbon-14, which is radioactive, is used in radiometric dating. It is a major alloying component found in steels. The diamond is very hard and transparent. When it is created, each carbon atom is tightly bound to four other atoms. They are created at high pressures and temperatures in the inner part of the Earth. It is used to make jewelry and as a cutting material due to its hardness.
Charcoal tablets are used in medicine as a solution for flatulence and for the absorption of toxins generated in the digestive system. Carbon is used in protective rods for nuclear reactors.
Amorphous carbon is added to rubber to improve its mechanical properties. It is also used to form electrodes when obtained by sublimation of graphite. It is used as a source of fullerenes which can be extracted with organic solvents. Activated carbon is used to purify water and in filtration systems.
Carbon fiber has high strength. This is added to polyester resins and materials called carbon fibers are obtained, intended for the manufacture of tennis rackets. Fullerenes are used in medicine. There is evidence that a water-soluble derivative belonging to 60C can inhibit HIV-1 and HIV-2 viruses.
The structural and chemical properties of nanotube-like fullerenes show promising future uses in the field of nanotechnology. Carbon fiber is also used in the creation of high-end bicycles due to its lower weight, better geometry and greater strength.
Electron configuration of carbon
Carbon is found in group 4, period 2 of the periodic table. Its atomic number is 6, this means that its nucleus is composed of 6 neutrons, 6 protons and 6 electrons located in their orbitals. These are widely distributed in their different levels. The mass number of carbon is 12.
The total electron configuration of carbon is 1s2 2s2 2p2 and the simplified or abbreviated electron configuration is [He] 2s2 2p2.
