Ionic compounds and covalent compounds

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03 Metals and non-metals

The transfer of electrons from one atom to another leads to the formation of the chemical bond. This bond is known as an ionic bond.

An ionic bond is formed in two scenarios:
When one of the atoms donates electrons to achieve the inert gas electron configuration for the completion of octet resulting in stability.,
When the other atom needs electrons to achieve the inert gas electron configuration.
So, when a metal reacts with a non-metal, transfer of electrons takes place from metal atoms to the non-metal atoms, and thus an ionic bond is formed.
The strong force of attraction developed between the oppositely charged ions is known as an ionic bond. Examples of ionic bonds are sodium chloride, magnesium chloride and magnesium oxide, etc.

Ionic compounds are held strongly by the electrostatic force of attraction because oppositely charged ions are present.

Physical properties of ionic compounds:
- Ionic compounds are solids and are hard to break due to the strong force of attraction between the positive and negative ions.
- However, they break into pieces when pressure is applied. So they are considered brittle.
Melting and boiling points of ionic compounds:
- A large amount of energy is required to break the ionic bonds between the atoms.
- So, they have high melting and boiling points.
Solubility of ionic compounds:
- Ionic compounds are generally soluble in polar solvents such as water but the solubility tends to decrease in non-polar solvents such as petrol, gasoline etc.
Conduction of Electricity:
- Although ionic compounds do not conduct electricity in the solid state because movement of ions is not possible.
- But they are good conductors in a molten state because electrostatic forces of attraction between the ions are overcome by the heat released.

Whenever a non-metal combine with another non-metal, sharing of electrons takes place between their atoms, which leads to the formation of a covalent bond. A covalent bond can also be formed between two atoms of the same non-metal.

Covalent compounds are formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms. Such compounds are known as covalent compounds.

IFFERENCES BETWEEN IONIC COMPOUNDS AND COVALENT COMPOUNDS

Ionic compounds	Covalent compounds
They are usually crystalline solids.	They are usually liquids or gases. Only some of them are solids.
They have high melting points and boiling points. That is, ionic compounds are non-volatile.	They have usually low melting points and boiling points. That is, covalent compounds are usually volatile.
They conduct electricity when dissolved n water or melted.	They do not conduct electricity.
They are usually soluble in water.	They are usually insoluble in water (except, glucose, sugar, urea, etc.).
They are insoluble in organic solvents (like alcohol, ether, acetone, etc.).	They are soluble in organic solvents.