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Bonding and structure: Chapter 3 Part 4, Or macromolecular structure;…

- - - - It is a dark grey, shiny solid.
      - Graphite has a layer structure. Within each layer, each carbon atom is bonded to three others by strong covalent bonds. Each layer is therefor like a giant molecule. Between these layers there are weak forces of attraction and so the layers will pass over each other.
      - With only 3 covalent bonds formed between carbon atoms within the layers, an unbonded electron is present on each carbon atom. These 'spare' (or delocalised) electrons form electron clouds between layers and because of this graphite conducts electricity.
    - - Each carbon atom in a giant structure is covalently bonded to four others.
      - They form a tetrahedral structure.
      - Rigid, hard and strong 3- dimensional structure due to the bonding scheme.
      - All outer shell electrons of carbon atoms are used to form covalent bonds, so there are no electrons available to enable diamond to conduct electricity.