Diamond 9: visualising the carbon framework of adamantane

Indeed the carbon framework of the rather more unusual hydrocarbon adamantane, with 10 carbons and four fused six-membered rings, can be found within the diamond unit cell. As the molecule resembles a fragment of diamond it is known as a diamondoid. It is a colourless crystalline compound with a camphor-like odour that can be isolated from petroleum. Its name derives from the word "adamant" because of its high thermal stability. In the unit cell of diamond to the left, the carbon backbone of adamantane is highlighted in violet.

Go to page 10 to look at how the structure of diamond can be represented with polyhedra.

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