Molecules of carbon are held together by which of the following bonds in Graphite?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) Van der Waals bond

Explanation:

• Graphite has a layered, two-dimensional structure where carbon atoms are arranged in hexagonal sheets (graphene layers).1

• While carbon atoms within a single layer are connected by strong covalent bonds, the interaction between these separate layers is very weak.2

• These layers are held together by weak Van der Waals forces (intermolecular forces), which are much weaker than chemical bonds.3

• The large distance between the layers (approximately 3.40 Å) prevents the formation of strong covalent bonds between them.4

• This weak attraction allows the layers to slide over each other, which gives graphite its characteristic softness and lubricating properties.5

Information Booster:

• Each carbon atom in graphite is 6$sp^2$ hybridized, meaning it is bonded to three other carbon atoms, leaving one delocalized electron per atom.7

• These delocalized electrons are free to move throughout the layers, making graphite an excellent conductor of electricity, unlike most other non-metals.8

Additional Knowledge:

(a) Ionic bond • Formed by the complete transfer of electrons from a metal to a non-metal (e.g., in Sodium Chloride).

• Graphite is an allotrope of pure carbon (a non-metal), so there is no transfer of electrons to form ions.⁹

• Ionic compounds are usually brittle and do not conduct electricity in solid form.

(b) Hydrogen bond • A specific type of weak attraction between a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative atom (like O, N, or F) and another electronegative atom.

• Since graphite consists entirely of carbon atoms, it does not possess the necessary atoms to form hydrogen bonds.¹⁰

(c) Covalent bond • Formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms to achieve a stable electronic configuration.¹¹

• In graphite, covalent bonds exist within the hexagonal layers, but they do not hold the different layers (the "molecular" sheets) together.¹²

• In Diamond, carbon atoms are held together by a 3D network of covalent bonds, making it the hardest natural substance.¹³