Diamond and Silicon

• Structure


  • Network of carbon held together by strong covalent bonds
• Poor conductors


  • no delocalised electrons as all outer shell electrons are used in covalent bonds
• High melting points


  • Many strong covalent bonds
  • more energy required to carry charge
• Very hard


  • tetrahedral shape means external forces are spread evenly throughout the lattice
  • all bonds are of equal strength
• Insoluble


  • not attracted to water polar molecules