Question

In graphite, additional electrons are:

• A. localized on each $C$-atom
• B. localized on every third $C$-atom.
• C. present in anti-bonding orbital
• D. delocalised forming extended $\pi$-bonding system.

Answer 1

The correct option is D delocalised forming extended $\pi$-bonding system.

Here each carbon atom is in $s{p}^2$ hybridised state and is thus attached to three other carbon atoms by three sigma bonds forming a hexagonal planar structure.
The fourth electron present in an unhybridised $p-$orbital of each carbon atom of a hexagonal unit then overlap with each other to form a pi bond.