Carbon
Reactive Nonmetal
Carbon (C) is a chemical element with atomic number 6, classified as a reactive nonmetal. At room temperature it is a solid. It has been known since ancient times.
Properties
- Atomic number
- 6
- Atomic mass
- 12.011 u
- Category
- Reactive Nonmetal
- Group
- 14
- Period
- 2
- Block
- p-block
- Electron configuration
- [He] 2s² 2p²
- Phase at STP
- Solid
- Density
- 2.267 g/cm³
- Melting point
- 3823 K (3549.8 °C)
- Boiling point
- 4098 K (3824.8 °C)
- Electronegativity
- 2.55
- Atomic radius
- 67 pm
- Ionization energy
- 11.26 eV
- Discovery
- Known since ancient times
Common uses
Steel production, diamonds, organic compounds, life itself
Did you know?
Basis of all organic life and can form more compounds than any other element.
Compounds you can make with carbon
Carbon appears in 19 compounds in our periodic table sandbox. Each one is a real substance with its true chemical formula — combine the right elements in the right ratio below to discover it.
-
CO2
Carbon Dioxide
The gas you exhale and plants breathe in; a key greenhouse gas.
-
CO
Carbon Monoxide
A toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion of carbon fuels.
-
CH4
Methane
The simplest hydrocarbon and the main component of natural gas.
-
CaCO3
Calcium Carbonate
The mineral in limestone, chalk, marble, eggshells, and seashells.
-
CH4O
Methanol
The simplest alcohol, used as fuel, solvent, and antifreeze.
-
C6H12O6
Glucose
A simple sugar and the primary energy source for living cells.
-
C2H6O
Ethanol
The alcohol found in beverages, also used as fuel and disinfectant.
-
NaHCO3
Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)
Baking soda — a mild base used in cooking, cleaning, and antacids.
-
C2H2
Acetylene
A hydrocarbon that burns hot enough to cut and weld steel.
-
WC
Tungsten Carbide
An extremely hard material used in cutting tools and drill bits.
-
Na2CO3
Sodium Carbonate (Washing Soda)
Washing soda — a water softener used in glassmaking, cleaning, and detergents.
-
HCN
Hydrogen Cyanide (Prussic Acid)
A fast-acting poison with a faint almond smell, used industrially in tiny amounts.
-
C2H4O2
Acetic Acid (Vinegar)
The acid that gives vinegar its sour taste and sharp smell.
-
H2CO3
Carbonic Acid
The weak acid formed when CO₂ dissolves in water — the fizz in soda.
-
CH2O
Formaldehyde
A pungent gas used to make resins and, in solution, to preserve biological specimens.
-
C6H6
Benzene
A ring-shaped hydrocarbon, the foundation of "aromatic" chemistry.
-
C3H8
Propane
A three-carbon hydrocarbon burned in barbecues, heaters, and camping stoves.
-
CCl4
Carbon Tetrachloride
A dense, non-flammable liquid once used in fire extinguishers and dry cleaning.
-
SiC
Silicon Carbide (Carborundum)
An ultra-hard material used as an abrasive and in high-power electronics.