

The standard enthalpy of formation is measured in units of energy per amount of substance, usually stated in kilojoule per mole (kJ mol −1), but also in kilocalorie per mole, joule per mole or kilocalorie per gram (any combination of these units conforming to the energy per mass or amount guideline).Īll elements in their standard states ( oxygen gas, solid carbon in the form of graphite, etc.) have a standard enthalpy of formation of zero, as there is no change involved in their formation. This is true for all enthalpies of formation. įor example, the standard enthalpy of formation of carbon dioxide would be the enthalpy of the following reaction under the above conditions:Īll elements are written in their standard states, and one mole of product is formed. One exception is phosphorus, for which the most stable form at 1 bar is black phosphorus, but white phosphorus is chosen as the standard reference state for zero enthalpy of formation. For an element: the form in which the element is most stable under 1 bar of pressure.


