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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Ionic and Covalent Compounds?

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The main difference between ionic and covalent compounds lies in the nature of the chemical bonds that hold them together. Here are the key differences between ionic and covalent compounds:

  1. Formation: Ionic compounds are usually formed when a metal reacts with a nonmetal (or a polyatomic ion), while covalent compounds are formed when two nonmetals react with each other.
  2. Bonding: In ionic compounds, electrons are transferred between atoms, resulting in the formation of ions held together by electrostatic forces. In covalent compounds, electrons are shared equally between atoms, forming covalent bonds.
  3. Melting and Boiling Points: Ionic compounds generally have higher melting and boiling points, while covalent compounds have lower melting and boiling points.
  4. Polarity: Ionic compounds tend to have more polar molecules, whereas covalent compounds have less polar molecules.
  5. Conductivity: Ionic compounds can conduct electricity when in solution or in the molten state, while covalent compounds generally do not conduct electricity.
  6. Solubility: Ionic compounds often do not dissolve in organic solvents, while covalent compounds often do.
  7. State at Room Temperature: Ionic compounds are usually solids with a definite shape at room temperature, while covalent compounds are typically gases, liquids, or soft solids.

Examples of ionic compounds include sodium chloride (NaCl) and magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), while examples of covalent compounds include methane (CH4) and water vapor.

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  • What is the Difference Between Ionic and Covalent Compounds?
  • Comparative Table: Ionic vs Covalent Compounds

    • Comparative Table: Ionic vs Covalent Compounds

    Here is a table comparing the differences between ionic and covalent compounds:

    Property Ionic Compounds Covalent Compounds
    Bonding Ionic bonding results from the transfer of electrons between atoms, creating positively and negatively charged ions that attract each other. Covalent bonding involves the sharing of electrons between atoms, creating molecules.
    Structure Ionic compounds have a repeating pattern of atoms, often in a crystalline structure. Covalent compounds form individual structures of atoms, usually in the form of molecules.
    Polarity Ionic compounds are generally polar due to the difference in electronegativity between the atoms involved. Covalent compounds can be polar or nonpolar, depending on the symmetry of the compound and differences in electronegativity.
    States of Matter Ionic compounds can be solids, liquids, or gases, but they do not exist as individual molecules in the gas state. Covalent compounds, or molecules, can be gases, liquids, or solids, and they exist as individual molecules in all three states of matter.
    Examples Sodium fluoride (NaF), calcium chloride (CaCl), and sodium chloride (NaCl) are examples of ionic compounds. Examples of covalent compounds include methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and water (H2O).

    To determine if a binary compound is ionic or covalent, you can first locate the two elements concerned in the Periodic Table and decide if they are metals or non-metals. If both elements are non-metals, they will form a covalent compound. If one element is a metal and the other is a non-metal, they will form an ionic compound.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.