Which one of the following statements is not correct?

The statement that graphite layers are held together by carbon-carbon single bonds is incorrect. In graphite, each carbon atom is covalently bonded to three other carbon atoms in the same plane, forming hexagonal rings [1]. These planar sheets, known as graphene, are stacked in layers. While the atoms within a layer are connected by strong covalent bonds (sigma and pi bonds), the interaction between the layers is governed by weak van der Waals forces [2]. This weak interlayer bonding allows the layers to slide over one another, making graphite soft and slippery [2]. In contrast, diamond consists of carbon atoms linked by carbon-carbon single bonds in a rigid three-dimensional tetrahedral structure [2]. Therefore, the layers in graphite are not held together by covalent single bonds but by weak intermolecular forces.

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds > Allotropes of carbon > p. 61
2. [2] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-64971-1