Bonding of Diamond: Unreactivity & Impurity

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    Bonding Diamond
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Diamond consists of a giant covalent structure where each carbon atom is bonded to four others, leaving one electron unaccounted for. The discussion raises the question of whether this unbonded electron contributes to diamond's reactivity, yet diamonds are known for their unreactivity. The concept of diamond purity is also explored, suggesting that achieving 100% purity is impossible, with the closest being 99.9999%. The conversation touches on the implications of impurities on diamond's properties and reactivity. Overall, the unreactivity of diamond despite the presence of an unbonded electron remains a key point of inquiry.
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Homework Statement


Hi,
there are 2 pictures in the above,pic 2 shows a diamond in rectangular shape.
pic 1 shows the 3D structure of that diamond at a corner of it.
As we know,diamond has a giant covalent structure,which means atoms in it are linked together by covalent bonds only.
Now,please see the pink circle,3 electrons of that carbon atom are covalently bonded to 3 other carbon atoms.
Each carbon atom has 4 outermost electrons.Where is the remaining electron?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Is it forming a covalent bond with another element?(e.g.oxygen in the air)
If not,it should be reactive due to the unbonded electron but in fact diamond is unreactive.
From the above deduction,there is no diamond with 100% purity(i.e.no impurities)?

just a guess :)

Please help,thx :)
 

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There is nothing with 100% purity. You can approach to one, like 99.9999...%, but no 100%.
 
I don't remember much chemistry, but I have done some programming imaging various 2D / 3D tilings & 3D / 4D lattices as Pascal's Triangle like structures. A suppositional electron?

https://sites.google.com/site/pascalloids/home
 
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