structure

of carbon
atom
Lesson 4: Explain how structure of
carbon atom affects the type of bonds
it forms.
What are giant covalent structures?
In some substances, such as sand, diamond and graphite,
millions of atoms are joined together by covalent bonds.

The covalent bonds in these substances do not form

molecules but vast networks of atoms called giant covalent
structures.
All the bonds are covalent, so giant covalent structures have
very high melting and boiling points, and are usually hard.
Allotropes of carbon
In the element carbon, atoms bond in different ways,
creating different kinds of giant structures.

Two of these structures are diamond and graphite.

They are called allotropes of carbon.

Allotropes have the same chemical properties because

they have the same number of electrons.

However, they have different physical properties because

the electrons are shared in different ways with other atoms.
The structure of diamond
Diamond is a rare form of
carbon in which each atom
is covalently bonded to four
others.
This pattern arrangement is
repeated millions of times to
create a giant lattice.

C
C
C
C
The properties of diamond
All the electrons in the outer shell of the carbon atom (2.4) are
used in covalent bonds. This affects diamond’s properties.

 Diamond is very hard – the

hardest natural substance on Earth.

 Diamond has a very high melting

and boiling point – a lot of energy is
needed to break the covalent bonds.

 Diamond cannot conduct

electricity – there are no free
electrons or ions to carry a
charge
The structure of graphite
Graphite is a much more This forms rings of six atoms,
common form of carbon. in creating a giant structure
which each atom is containing many layers. These
covalently bonded to three layers are held together by
others. weak forces of attraction.

C C
weak forces of attraction
The properties of graphite
Only three of the four electrons in the outer shell of the
carbon atom (2.4) are used in covalent bonds. This affects
graphite’s properties.
 Graphite is soft and slippery –
layers can easily slide over each
other because the weak forces of
attraction are easily broken. This is
why graphite is used as a lubricant.

 Graphite can conduct

electricity – the only
non-metal to do. There is a
free electron from each atom
to carry a charge.
Allotropes and their properties
How do the different properties of diamond and graphite
depend on their structures?
FA 2.6 FILL ME IN
The Organic Compounds
The element carbon is found in all organic compounds. Organic
compounds are compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen,
nitrogen and other elements.

The element carbon forms numerous organic compounds.

The branch of chemistry that deals with the study of organic compounds
is called Organic Chemistry.
FA 2.6 Guess Me
All two pictures in each given set illustrate some common organic compounds
we used at home. These pictures relate to common word(s). Write the name of
the organic compound in the box provided for each number.
UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS OF
CARBON ATOM
Carbon is a non- metal element having a chemical
symbol of C. It is the fourth main element in the universe,
and the 15th most abundant element in the Earth’s crust.
It is also the second most abundant element in humans
after oxygen. It belongs to Group IV-A of the periodic
table which indicates that carbon has four valence
electrons.
Why is carbon considered as the basis of a variety of
organic compounds?
UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS OF
CARBON ATOM
1. Carbon has four valence electrons
It has four valence electrons that shares
with non-metallic atoms through covalent
bonding.
Electron Configuration:
________________
UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS OF
CARBON ATOM
2. Carbon can form many types
of bond arrangement.
Carbon has four valence
electrons, so it can achieve a full
outer energy level by forming four
covalent bonds.
UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS OF
CARBON ATOM
2. When it bonds only with hydrogen,
it forms compounds called
hydrocarbons. Carbon can form
single, double, or even triple bonds
with other carbon atoms.
 UNIQUE Examples of compounds with these
types of bonds are represented by the
CHARACTERISTICS structural formulas in the Figure
OF CARBON ATOM below.
UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS OF
CARBON ATOM
3. Carbon can bond with itself.
FA 2.6 What’s Missing
Assignment: Complete the following.
Next Activity:
oWritten Work 2.6
oSummative Assessment 2.4
oAccomplish Assignment
oLesson 5: Recognize general classes of organic
compounds.