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MACROMOLECULES

The document discusses macromolecules, specifically the allotropes of carbon, including diamond and graphite, highlighting their distinct structures and properties due to different bonding arrangements. It also covers silicon(IV) oxide, noting its tetrahedral structure and inability to conduct electricity. Additionally, it outlines the general properties of giant covalent structures, such as high melting points, hardness, and electrical conductivity variations.

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7 views3 pages

MACROMOLECULES

The document discusses macromolecules, specifically the allotropes of carbon, including diamond and graphite, highlighting their distinct structures and properties due to different bonding arrangements. It also covers silicon(IV) oxide, noting its tetrahedral structure and inability to conduct electricity. Additionally, it outlines the general properties of giant covalent structures, such as high melting points, hardness, and electrical conductivity variations.

Uploaded by

vridhi.is.human
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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NPS International School

Topic: MACROMOLECULES
Allotropes:
Carbon, with an atomic number of six and the periodic table symbol 'C,' is one of
the most prevalent elements in our environment. Carbon is an example of an
allotropic element. Carbon exists in two allotropes: amorphous and crystalline
(Diamond, Graphite).
When an element occurs in more than one crystalline form, such forms are
referred to as allotrope.

Covalent bonding & Giant covalent lattice structures

• Allotropes of carbon are substances that only contain carbon atoms but due
to the differences in bonding arrangements they are physically completely
different.
• A giant covalent structure is a large network of atoms held together by
covalent bonds in a regular lattice structure.

Diamond:
It is the finest form of carbon in its crystalline state. It has a number of carbon
atoms that are tetrahedrally connected. Each tetrahedral unit is composed of
carbon bound to four carbon atoms that are itself connected to other carbons.
This results in the formation of a carbon allotrope with a three-dimensional
arrangement of C-atoms.

• In diamond, each carbon atom bonds with four other carbons, forming
a tetrahedron.
NPSI/Version1.0/25-26/Chem-Bonding/8/03
• All the covalent bonds are identical, very strong and there are
no intermolecular forces.

Graphite

• Each carbon atom in graphite is bonded to three others


forming layers of hexagons, leaving one free electron per carbon atom
• These free electrons migrate along the layers and are free to move and carry
charge, hence graphite can conduct electricity
• The covalent bonds within the layers are very strong, but the layers are
attracted to each other by weak intermolecular forces, so the layers
can slide over each other making graphite soft and slippery

NPSI/Version1.0/25-26/Chem-Bonding/8/03
SILICON(IV) OXIDE/SILICON DIOXIDE

• Silicon (IV) oxide has a tetrahedral macromolecular structure (similar to


diamond).
• Each Si atom is covalently bonded to four Oxygen atoms. Each Oxygen
atom is covalently bonded to two Silicon atoms.
• The formula is therefore SiO2. Each Oxygen atom has 2 non-bonded
electron pairs (lone pairs) that are localised onto it and are not free to move.
• There are no free (delocalised) electrons, hence SiO2 cannot conduct
electricity.
• The three-dimensional structure is rigid and hard. It has a high melting point
and high boiling point.

PROPERTIES OF GIANT COVALENT STRUCTURES

• Giant covalent lattices have very high melting and boiling points
o These compounds have a large number of covalent bonds linking
the whole structure
o A lot of energy is required to break the lattice
• The compounds are generally hard expect graphite.
o Diamond and silicon(IV) oxide are hard as it is difficult to break their
3D network of strong covalent bonds
o Graphite is soft as the forces between the carbon layers are weak
• Most compounds are insoluble with water
• Most compounds do not conduct electricity however some do
o Diamond and silicon(IV) oxide do not conduct electricity as all four
outer electrons on every carbon atom are involved in a covalent
bond so there are no freely moving electrons available
•
o Graphite has delocalised electrons between the carbon layers which
can move along the layers when a voltage is applied

NPSI/Version1.0/25-26/Chem-Bonding/8/03

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