In which of the following substances all carbon atoms are quaternary in nature?
(1) Graphite
(2) Diamond
(3) Teflon
(4) Naphthalene
Answer: (2) carbon atoms in diamonds are quaternary in nature. The crystal structure of a diamond is a face-centered cubic or FCC lattice. Each carbon atom joins four other carbon atoms in regular tetrahedrons (triangular prisms). Based on the cubic form and its highly symmetrical arrangement of atoms, diamond crystals can develop into several different shapes, known as ‘crystal habits.’
