Carbon does not make ions. It shares. In this course we learn the covalent bond, the properties of the compounds that it makes, why carbon can make so many compounds, and how the same atoms make soft graphite and hard diamond.
3 lessons, about 1 h 15 min3 simulations10 problems6 practice questionsPython in every lesson
Created by StemPy LabA covalent bond is a pair of electrons that two atoms share. Atoms share electrons to get a full outer shell. A single bond is one shared pair, a double bond is two, and a triple bond is three. Carbon has four outer electrons and always shares.
Covalent compounds are made of molecules. The atoms in a molecule are held by strong bonds, but the molecules attract each other only weakly. So covalent compounds have low melting and boiling points, and many are liquids or gases. They do not conduct electricity, because they have no ions or free electrons. They dissolve in organic solvents more than in water. Carbon forms millions of compounds for two reasons. Catenation is the joining of carbon atoms in chains, branches and rings, with strong C to C bonds. Tetravalency means that each carbon atom forms four bonds. Its compounds are also stable.
Diamond, graphite and fullerene are different forms of the element carbon. In diamond, each atom is bonded to four others, so it is the hardest known natural substance. In graphite, each atom is bonded to three others in layers that slide, so it is soft and conducts electricity. Fullerene C60 is a ball of 60 atoms.
Log in to join the discussion.
Loading…