Allotropy

1 min read Last updated Mon Jun 01 2026 03:58:53 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Ability of a single substance to exist in more than one physical form.

Examples

Iron

  • αFe\alpha-\ce{Fe} (Ferrite) - Below 912°C912\degree \text{C}
  • γFe\gamma-\ce{Fe} (Austenite) - Between 912°C912\degree \text{C} and 1394°C1394\degree \text{C}
  • δFe\delta-\ce{Fe} - Above 1394°C1394\degree \text{C}
  • ϵFe\epsilon-\ce{Fe} (Hexaferrum)

First 3 exist in atmospheric pressure. Forth one exists in very high pressure.

Carbon

Buckminsterfullerene

Aka. bucky ball. Has 60  C60\;\ce{C} atoms inside a molecule. A molecule is truncated icosahedron shaped. Diameter of the molecule is approx. 1nm1\,\text{nm}. Each carbon atom is bonded to another 3. Not chemically inert.

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