- #1
tribdog
- 768
- 17
Is a diamond a single molecule?
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the question of whether a diamond can be considered a single molecule, exploring the nature of its structure and bonding. Participants examine the crystalline lattice formation of diamond and its comparison to other substances, such as salt.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Technical explanation
Main Points Raised
- Some participants assert that pure diamond is a single molecule, formed by carbon atoms covalently bonded in a tetrahedral arrangement.
- Others argue that diamond is a crystalline lattice composed of many carbon atoms, suggesting that it is not a single molecule.
- One participant notes that the covalent bonds in diamond are stronger than ionic bonds, which contributes to its hardness compared to salt.
- There is a mention of diamond spontaneously converting back to graphite at standard temperature and pressure (STP), although this process is said to take a considerable amount of time.
- Another participant clarifies that the ease of breaking salt compared to diamond is not solely due to the strength of ionic versus covalent bonds, but also involves the nature of the interactions between individual NaCl units.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on whether diamond is a single molecule or a lattice structure, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain unresolved.
Contextual Notes
There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of "molecule" and "crystalline structure," as well as the implications of bonding types on material properties.
- #2
turbo
Gold Member
- 3,154
- 57
It's a crystalline lattice of LOTS of carbon atoms with lots of admixtures, too.
- #3
mineys
- 12
- 0
yes. pure diamond is a single molecule. It is a bunch of carbon molecules which have all covalently boded to each other in a tetrahedral arangement. The covalent bonds are stronger then ionic bonds which is why you can split a chunk of salt really easily, but with a diamond, tough luck. An interesting thing to note is that diamond spontaneously turns back into graphite at STP. But it takes a while.
- #4
Stevedye56
- 402
- 0
mineys said:
Just a little while
- #5
haiha
- 136
- 1
mineys said:
You can break a chunk of salt very much easier than a piece of diamond not because the ionic bonds are weaker than covanlent bonds. In diamond, molecules link togherther by covalent bonds. In NaCl , Na+ and Cl- are linked very tightly for ionic strong ionic bond. But linkages between one molecule NaCl and another molecule NaCl are not ionic, they are held by coulomb force which are weaker than Na+ and Cl-.
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