Covalent Networks

Topic Sentence for Graphite

Graphite is a covalent network substance made up of carbon atoms covalently bonded to 3 other carbon atoms. This leaves one delocalised electron from each carbon atom.

What are giant covalent networks made of

They are made up of one big molecule/lattice that is held together by covalent bonds

Do covalent networks have high or low melting and boiling points and why?

They have very high melting points because a large amount of energy is required to break the strong covalent bonds.

Do covalent networks conduct electricity?

They do not conduct electricity (except graphite because the 4th electron from each carbon atom is delocalised).

Soluble in water?

No because the covalent bonds are too strong. These giant structures do not have charges like ionic compounds, water cannot pull the structure apart through hydration or solvation.

Type of particle

Atoms

Type of bonding

Covalent bonds