Chemical Structure

Move and Click the mouse pointer over the image...

The map above shows one way in which chemical structure can be organised. However, several different terms are
used to refer to the same structures, so take some care.

By understanding the behaviour of particles, and how they are arranged, chemists can explain and predict how
materials behave, and make new materials with properties to suit a particular purpose.

Where we have substances in the solid state, their particles are arranged in a lattice. A lattice is a regular
arrangement of particles, whether these are atoms, ions or molecules. The chemical bonding, including intermolecular
bonding, is important.

There are four main types of solid structure: three are giant structures, the fourth a molecular structure (small and
big covalent molecules). These are:

Chemical Structure Particles Chemical Bonding

Giant Ionic Lattice Ions Ionic Bonding (throughout)
Giant Molecular Lattice Atoms Covalent Bonding (throughout)
(Giant Covalent, Covalent Network,
or Giant Atomic Lattice if preferred)
Giant Metallic Lattice Metal ions with Metallic Bonding (throughout)
delocalised electrons
Molecular Lattice Molecules Covalent Bonding between atoms forming
(Simple Covalent - small and big molecules) molecules;
Intermolecular Bonding between separate
molecules
Types of chemical structure with regard to solid state

The table below relates types of chemical structure and some properties.

Chemical Structure Electrical Conductivity Melting Point Range of Solubility in Water

Boiling Points
solid liquid
(C)
Giant Ionic Lattice No Yes High 700 to 3600 Generally good, but may be
low owing to high lattice
enthalpy
Giant Molecular Lattice No No Very High 2000 to 6000 Poor
Giant Metallic Lattice Yes (high) Yes (high) Low to Very High 357 to 6000 Poor, but some metals react
with water
Molecular Lattice No No Generally Low -253 to +600 Generally poor, but some
 substances react with water
Types of chemical structure and their properties