is Graphite isostructural with diamond?

Answer

To determine whether graphite is isostructural with diamond, we need to analyze the structures and bonding of both materials.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Definition of Isostructural**:
- Isostructural means that two substances have the same structural arrangement of atoms in their crystalline form.

2. **Structure of Graphite**:
- Graphite has a layered structure. Each layer consists of carbon atoms that are arranged in a hexagonal lattice.
- The carbon atoms in graphite are sp² hybridized, which means each carbon atom forms three sigma bonds with three other carbon atoms in the same plane, resulting in a two-dimensional structure.

3. **Structure of Diamond**:
- Diamond has a three-dimensional tetrahedral structure.
- In diamond, each carbon atom is sp³ hybridized, forming four sigma bonds with four other carbon atoms, resulting in a strong and rigid three-dimensional network.

4. **Comparison of Structures**:
- The key difference lies in the hybridization and arrangement of the carbon atoms.
- Graphite's structure is planar and layered, while diamond's structure is three-dimensional and tetrahedral.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Since graphite and diamond have different structural arrangements and bonding types, they are not isostructural.

### Final Answer:
**No, graphite is not isostructural with diamond.**