What is the Difference Between Allotropes and Isotopes?

The main difference between allotropes and isotopes lies in the level at which they occur and the factors that differentiate them:

Allotropes:

• Different forms of the same chemical element at the molecular level.
• Occur at the molecular level, and the differences in molecular structures can result in different physical properties.
• The molar mass of allotropes can be either equal or different from each other.
• Examples include the different forms of carbon, such as graphite, diamond, and fullerenes.

Isotopes:

• Different forms of atoms of the same chemical element.
• Occur at the atomic level, and the differences in atomic structures are primarily due to the number of neutrons.
• The atomic number of isotopes is the same, but their mass numbers can differ.
• Isotopes may have different properties due to their different masses, such as spins and NMR spectra, but their electron number is similar, giving rise to similar chemical behavior.

In summary, allotropes are different molecular forms of the same element, while isotopes are different atomic forms of the same element. Allotropes differ in their molecular structures and properties, whereas isotopes differ in their atomic structures and mass numbers.

Comparative Table: Allotropes vs Isotopes

Here is a table comparing the differences between allotropes and isotopes:

Allotropes are different forms of the same element at the molecular level, showing different physical properties, while isotopes are different forms of the same element at the atomic level, displaying different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei.