STRUCTURES OF SUBSTANCES

The different types of bonding gives rise to various types of structures of

substances and these include
⁃ Giant ionic structures ( ionic bonding)
⁃ Giant molecular structures ( covalent)
⁃ Simple molecular structures( covalent bonding)
⁃ Metallic structures. ( metallic bonding)
Giant atomic /molecular structures
These consist of millions of atoms covalently bonded.
Examples include diamond, graphite and silicon (iv) oxide.
In diamond, each carbon atom is covalently bonded to four other carbon atoms. Therefore, diamond does not conduct
electricity.

In graphite only three of the 4 electrons are used in bonding. This leaves one electron free. Graphite conducts electricity
because it has free mobile electrons in the structure.

Simple molecular structure

This consists of simple molecules, and each molecule contains a few atoms.
The bonding between the atoms are strong covalent bonds but the molecules are held together by weak
intermolecular forces also referred to as van der waals’ forces.
Examples are iodine, water, ammonia, methane
Giant ionic structure
This consists of millions of oppositely charge ions kept in position by strong ionic
bonds or (electrostatic forces of attraction.)

Examples include sodium chloride and calcium oxide.

Coordination in sodium chloride is 6:6

Giant metallic structure

• This consists of positive metal ions held together by a ‘sea’ of delocalized electrons.
• Metals are good conductors of electricity because they have free and mobile electrons.

Summary of the general physical properties of substances:

structure State at room Mpt/bpt Conductivity solubility
temperature Solid / molten
Simple molecular Gas/solid/liquid low None/none None/some
soluble
Giant ionic Solid high None/high high

Giant atomic Solid high None except none

graphite
Giant metallic Solid high High none