Covalent Bond vs. Ionic Bond
What's the Difference?
Covalent bonds are formed when two atoms share electrons, resulting in a strong bond that holds the atoms together. Ionic bonds, on the other hand, are formed when one atom transfers electrons to another atom, resulting in a bond between positively and negatively charged ions. Covalent bonds are typically stronger than ionic bonds, as the shared electrons create a more stable bond. Ionic bonds, however, are often more easily broken in water or other polar solvents. Both types of bonds play important roles in the formation of molecules and compounds in chemistry.
Comparison
| Attribute | Covalent Bond | Ionic Bond |
|---|---|---|
| Formation | Formed by sharing of electrons between atoms | Formed by transfer of electrons from one atom to another |
| Electronegativity | Electronegativity difference between atoms is small | Electronegativity difference between atoms is large |
| Strength | Generally weaker than ionic bonds | Generally stronger than covalent bonds |
| State of Matter | Can exist as solids, liquids, or gases | Often exist as solids at room temperature |
| Solubility | Often soluble in nonpolar solvents | Often soluble in polar solvents |
Further Detail
Definition
Covalent bonds are formed when two atoms share electrons in order to achieve a stable electron configuration. This sharing of electrons allows both atoms to fill their outermost energy levels. Ionic bonds, on the other hand, are formed when one atom transfers electrons to another atom, resulting in the formation of positively and negatively charged ions that are attracted to each other.
Strength
Covalent bonds are generally stronger than ionic bonds. This is because in covalent bonds, the atoms are sharing electrons, which creates a strong bond between the atoms. In contrast, ionic bonds are held together by electrostatic forces between oppositely charged ions, which are not as strong as the sharing of electrons in covalent bonds.
Formation
Covalent bonds are typically formed between non-metal atoms, where both atoms have similar electronegativities. This allows for the sharing of electrons to occur evenly between the atoms. Ionic bonds, on the other hand, are formed between a metal and a non-metal atom, where the metal atom donates electrons to the non-metal atom. This results in the formation of ions with opposite charges that are attracted to each other.
Properties
Covalent compounds tend to have lower melting and boiling points compared to ionic compounds. This is because covalent compounds are held together by weaker intermolecular forces, such as London dispersion forces or dipole-dipole interactions. Ionic compounds, on the other hand, have higher melting and boiling points due to the strong electrostatic forces between the ions.
Solubility
Covalent compounds are generally insoluble in water, as they do not dissociate into ions when dissolved. Ionic compounds, on the other hand, are soluble in water due to the attraction between the ions and the polar water molecules. When an ionic compound is dissolved in water, the ions separate and are surrounded by water molecules, forming a solution.
Examples
Examples of covalent compounds include water (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4). These compounds are formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms of non-metal elements. Examples of ionic compounds include sodium chloride (NaCl), magnesium oxide (MgO), and calcium chloride (CaCl2). These compounds are formed by the transfer of electrons between a metal and a non-metal atom.
Comparisons may contain inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. Please report any issues.