Allotropes of carbon: diamond vs graphite (Diamond: sp³, 3D network, insulating; Graphite: sp² layers, π electrons conduct along)

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Diamond: sp³, 3D network, insulating; Graphite: sp² layers, π electrons conduct along planes.

What each symbol means

SymbolWhat it stands for
spⁿHybridization of carbon

When to use this

Different hybridization and bonding topology create vastly different properties.