Covalent bonding is a type of chemical bonding that occurs between non-metal atoms. Unlike ionic bonding, where electrons are completely transferred, covalent bonding involves the sharing of electrons between atoms. This sharing allows both atoms to achieve a stable electron configuration. Let's explore a few key aspects of covalent bonding:
Single Covalent Bonds: When two atoms share one pair of electrons, it forms a single covalent bond. For example, in a molecule of chlorine (Cl[2]), two chlorine atoms share one pair of electrons, resulting in a single covalent bond.
Double and Triple Covalent Bonds: Sometimes, atoms need to share more than one pair of electrons to achieve stability. In such cases, double and triple covalent bonds are formed. For instance, in a molecule of oxygen (O[2]), two oxygen atoms share two pairs of electrons, forming a double covalent bond.
Properties of Covalent Compounds: Covalent compounds tend to have lower melting and boiling points compared to ionic compounds. They are also generally poor conductors of electricity, as the shared electrons are localized between the atoms rather than being free to move.
Overall, covalent bonding is a crucial concept in chemistry as it enables the formation of a wide variety of compounds, including organic molecules found in living organisms.