Giant molecular structures

Giant atomic (or giant molecular) structures, diamond... 

Covalent carbides, which have giant-molecular structures, as in silicon carbide (SiC) and boron carbide (B4C3). These are hard high-melting solids. Other covalent compounds of carbon (CO2, CS2, CH4, etc.) have covalent molecules. 

NaCl) and giant-molecular structures (e.g. BN) the formula unit is used. 

Inspired by Staudinger s vision [1], mimicking the size and eventually the function of biomacromolecules has been a dream of chemists for decades [76]. This requires not only giant molecular structures to be generated, whose dimensions are on the order of tens and even himdreds of nanometers, but also that these man-made objects should have a useful, predetermined shape. Last, but not least, at both the periphery and the interior they should contain functionalities such as recognition or catalytically active sites. Moreover, their interaction with solvents, in particular water, should be controlled and exploited in their self-organization. It is evident that successful projects in this direction will have considerable impact on both biological and materials sciences. 

Some covalently bonded structures have a three-dimensional network of covalent bonds throughout the whole structure. We call these structures giant molecular structures or giant covalent structures. 

Giant covalent (giant molecular) structures such as diamond have a large number of covalent bonds arranged in a regularly repeating pattern. 

The element in the centre of Period 3, silicon, has the highest melting point because of its giant molecular structure (also called a giant covalent structure). Every silicon atom is held to its neighbouring silicon atoms by strong covalent bonds. However, its electrical conductivity is much lower than the metals at the start of the period because there are no delocalised electrons free to move around within its structure. Silicon is classed as a semimetal, or metalloid. 

Silicon dioxide is also insoluble in water. Water cannot break down its giant molecular structure. However, it will react with and dissolve in hot, concentrated alkali ... 

Silicon(IV) oxide has a giant covalent / giant molecular structure [1]... 

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