Pure elements
Definition & Classification
Pure Elements are substances composed of only one type of atom, existing in:
Free (Native) State: Naturally uncombined (e.g., gold nuggets, diamond)
Allotropes: Dif...
Category：Inorganic Chemicals
Introduction
Definition & Classification
Pure Elements are substances composed of only one type of atom, existing in:
- Free (Native) State: Naturally uncombined (e.g., gold nuggets, diamond)
- Allotropes: Different structural forms (e.g., graphite vs. diamond for carbon)
Key Feature:
- Defined by atomic number (proton count) on the periodic table.
Forms of Pure Elements
| Category | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Metals | Conductive, malleable | Gold (Au), Iron (Fe), Aluminum (Al) |
| Nonmetals | Brittle, insulators | Sulfur (S), Oxygen (O₂), Iodine (I₂) |
| Metalloids | Semi-conductive | Silicon (Si), Boron (B) |
Allotrope Examples:
- Carbon: Graphite (conductive), Diamond (hardest natural material)
- Phosphorus: White (toxic), Red (stable), Black (semiconductor)
Key Properties
| Property | Metals | Nonmetals |
|---|---|---|
| State at RT | Mostly solid (except Hg) | Gas (O₂), Solid (S), Liquid (Br₂) |
| Conductivity | High (heat/electricity) | Low (except graphite) |
| Reactivity | Varies (Na reactive, Au inert) | High (Cl₂), Low (N₂) |
Industrial Applications
| Element | Use Case | Industry |
|---|---|---|
| Silicon | Semiconductor chips | Electronics |
| Gold | PCB coatings, jewelry | Electronics/Luxury |
| Sulfur | Vulcanizing rubber | Automotive |
| Oxygen | Medical gas, steelmaking | Healthcare/Metallurgy |
Extraction & Purification
| Method | Target Elements | Process Example |
|---|---|---|
| Electrolysis | Aluminum (Al), Chlorine (Cl₂) | Hall-Héroult process (Al₂O₃ → Al) |
| Smelting | Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu) | Blast furnace (Fe₂O₃ → Fe) |
| Distillation | Zinc (Zn), Mercury (Hg) | Retort processing (ZnO → Zn) |
Safety & Storage
- Metals:
- Store in dry conditions (prevent oxidation, e.g., Na in oil)
- Nonmetals:
- Gas cylinders (O₂, N₂) with pressure regulators
- Toxic solids (e.g., white P) under water/inert gas
Factory & Shipment
