Covalent networks

• 3D network of atoms joined by covalent bonds

• no weak intermolecular forces, only strong covalent bonds

properties

• hard - fixed structure

• brittle - disrupt the lattice = shatter

• high melting and boiling points - strong force between particles (covalent bonds)

• non conductors (usually) - no mobile charged particles

example

diamond (C), Silica/Quartz (SiO2)

in diamond each carbon has 4 bonds

in graphite, also covalent newtwork each carbon forms 3 bonds, the remaining electron exists delocalised between graphene sheets