I don't have the numbers handy, but I know the relative magnitudes. These
bonds have about the same energy:
C-C single bonds
C-H single bonds
O-O double bonds
N-C single bonds
These are much lower in energy:
O-H single bonds
C-O double bonds
N-N triple bonds
Organic stuff is mostly carbon, bonded to other carbons, and to hydrogens.
Diamond is carbon bonded to carbon. The carbon atoms in the two cases have
the same energy, but the hydrogen that you throw away in going to diamond
can be reacted with air to release water and enormous amounts of energy.
You also get energy by releasing the fixed nitrogen in the living thing,
unless the goo needs nitrogen too.
Chemically speaking, this is the process that forms charcoal by burning wood
with insuffcient air. A diamondoid goo attacking a forest would probably
look like a wildfire that left living charcoal in its wake.
--CarlF