Network covalent bonding

An atomic lattice is a lattice whose units are held together by atomic bonds.

The most well known example is the diamond, in which each carbon atom is connected by a respective atomic bond with four other carbon atoms. This gives him the extreme hardness.

Delimit From the atomic lattice are molecular lattice in which the atoms of a molecule are taking each other held together by atomic bonds, the molecules in the crystal with each other but only by van der Waals forces ( eg, methane ), dipole -dipole forces ( eg, water ) and / or hydrogen bonds ( eg ice).

A limiting case, the carbon- graphite modification consisting of (theoretically) infinite layers of carbon atoms, which are connected within the layer by atomic bonds. However only the van der Waals forces between the layers. This causes the slight displacement of the layers and the suitability as a lubricant.

Other borderline cases arise from the fact that atomic and ionic bonding are only idealizations, Al2O3 ( alumina) is such a borderline case.

Noble gases

Noble gases consist both in the gas and in the liquid phase of atoms. Nevertheless, the lattice of the solid phase is not referred to as the atomic lattice, but as rare gas grid, the cohesion is performed only by the van der Waals forces.

Other examples of substances with atomic lattice

• Boron nitride
• Silicon
• Boron