Diamond, Graphite, and More

The molecular architecture creates spatial information, which is sensed by other molecules as well as by the surrounding light. Sometimes, the molecular object and its interaction scenario create a combined property, which is not simply the sum of the individual properties of the atoms but is something more than that. This kind of property is called an emergent property. Let us look now at some examples where the molecular architectirre creates new information that leads to emergent properties. 

FIGURE 1.7 Molecular architecture of three different molecules made exclusively from carbon atoms. On top structures of buckyball (left), graphite (middle), and diamond (right). On the bottom the real materials, a piece of graphite (left) and the famous Topkapi diamond (right). The architecture of diamond transcends to beauty. Adapted with permission 

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