graphite

• Graphite


  Another form of carbon, a giant covalent molecule
• Graphite


  • Soft and slippery
  • High melting and boiling point
  • Good conductor of electricity and heat
• Structure of graphite


  1. Carbon atoms form covalent bonds to 3 other carbon atoms

  2. Carbon atoms form hexagonal rings

  3. Hexagonal rings arranged into layers

  4. No covalent bonds between layers
• Layers in graphite structure

  Can slide over each other
• Delocalized electrons


  Electrons in the outer energy level of carbon atoms that are not in covalent bonds, can move and conduct electricity and heat
• Delocalized electrons in graphite

  Similar to metals, allow graphite to conduct electricity and heat
• Graphite is not a metal, it is formed from the element carbon