macromolecular

• The macromolecules are:

  • Diamond (carbon)
  • Graphite (carbon)
  • Graphene (carbon)
  • Silicon
  • Boron
  • Silicon dioxide
• Giant covalent substances have many atoms joined together by strong covalent bonds.  The covalent bonds extend throughout the entire structure.
• High melting points and boiling points

   Macromolecules have many strong covalent bonds which must be broken upon melting.
• Non-conductors of electricity

   Macromolecules have no charges that are free to move, so they can’t conduct…except graphite. Graphite consists of layers of carbon atoms each forming 3 covalent bonds. Each carbon has a fourth spare electron this isn’t used, so this electron can move and conduct electricity.

   
• Hard and strong

  The many strong covalent bonds give the macromolecules a strong structure…except graphite which is soft as it’s layers of carbon can slide over each other
• Solubility

  Macromolecular substance will not dissolve in water.  A macromolecule has no charges, so a molecule of water (which has small positive and negative charges)cannot dissolve the macromolecule