A LevelChemistryAQARevision NotesPhysical ChemistryTypes of Bonding & PropertiesProperties of Covalent Substances

Properties of Covalent Substances (AQA A Level Chemistry): Revision Note

Exam code: 7405

Written by: Stewart Hird

Reviewed by: Caroline Carroll

Updated on 2 July 2026

Covalent Lattice Structures

Covalent lattices

Covalent bonds are bonds between nonmetals in which electrons are shared between the atoms
Covalent compounds can be arranged in simple molecular or giant molecular lattices
- Simple molecular lattices: iodine, buckminsterfullerene (C₆₀) and ice
- Giant molecular: silicon(IV) oxide, graphite and diamond

States of Matter Simple Molecular Lattice, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

Simple molecular lattices

States of Matter Giant Molecular Lattice, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

Giant molecular lattices

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Graphite, diamond and buckminsterfullerene are all allotropes of carbon; they are different structural forms of the same element (which is carbon).

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Reviewer: Caroline Carroll

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Caroline graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Chemistry and Molecular Physics. She spent several years working as an Industrial Chemist in the automotive industry before retraining to teach. Caroline has over 12 years of experience teaching GCSE and A-level chemistry and physics. She is passionate about delivering high-quality resources to help students achieve their full potential.