Diamond and graphite are two allotropic froms of carbon, which can be converted into each other under some specific conditions.

Would it be possible to develop a hypothetical enzyme or chemical catalyst for conversion of graphite to diamond at room temperature and normal pressure?

Provide sufficient reasoning for your answer.

I would say no. Enzymes are just biological catalysts, so the question really revolves around catalysts of any type.  Catalysts increase the speed of chemical reactions, that is, the creating of new compounds from those initially present.  Graphite and diamond are two of many crystalline forms that elemental carbon can take.  There is no chemical reaction involved to create diamond from another form of carbon.  Therefore, nothing for a catalyst to do.

Posted by Kenny M on 2023-06-27 07:00:23