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COVALENT BONDS :
Covalent bonds are usually formed between atoms of non-metals only.
A covalent bond is made when two atoms ( non-metals ) are sharing a pair of electrons so
that each atom has a full outer shell of electrons i.e. each atom has a noble gas
configuration.
There is a force of attraction between the atoms sharing electrons and this force is called a
covalent bond.
Compounds formed by a covalent bonding are called covalent compounds or molecules .
If two atoms share :
o ONE pair of electrons
=
a SINGLE bond is formed
o TWO pairs of electrons
=
a DOUBLE bond is formed
o THREE pairs of electrons
=
a TRIPLE bond is formed

Example 1 - Hydrogen molecules H2 :

( only the outermost electron shell is shown )
Each hydrogen shares its electron with the other hydrogen atom.
The two atoms are now physically joined together to make a molecule.
A single bond is formed between the two hydrogen atoms .

Example 2 - Chlorine Cl2

Each chlorine atom requires one more electron to fill its outer shell. It can get this extra
electron by sharing with another chlorine atom.
Two atoms of chlorine therefore share an electron each and so the two atoms become
physically joined together and a molecule of chlorine is made.
A single bond is formed between the two chlorine atoms.

Example 3 - Oxygen :
Each oxygen atom requires two more electrons to fill its outer shell. They can get these extra
electrons by sharing with another oxygen atom.
Two atoms of oxygen therefore share two electrons each and so the two atoms become
physically joined together and a molecule of oxygen is made.
A double bond is formed between the two oxygen atoms.

Example 4 - Oxygen : Nitrogen molecule

Example 5 - Hydrogen chloride molecule

Example 6 - Water molecule

Example 7 - Methane molecule

Example 8 Carbon dioxide molecule

There are two rules that need to be remembered when drawing covalent bonds.
The electrons of one atoms are drawn as dots and the electrons of the other, crosses.
Only outershell electrons should be included in the diagram
This type of diagram is known as a dot / cross diagram

PROPERTIES OF COVALENT COMPOUNDS

Covalent compounds have high melting point and boiling points.
Why ? The molecules are held together by very weak van der Waals forces of
Attraction
Covalent compounds do not conduct electricity.
Why ? Molecules in covalent compounds do not carry charges, i.e. there are no ions
in covalent compounds
Covalent compounds dissolve in organic solvents but do not dissolve in water.
Why ? Covalent molecules are not readily hydrated by water molecules.

The differences between IONIC and COVALENT bonding

Properties
Melting point
and
boiling point
Volatility
Solubility

Ionic compounds

Covalent compounds

High

Low

Non-volatile due to high

melting and boiling point
Soluble in water but not
soluble in organic solvent

Volatile due to low melting

and boiling point
Soluble in organic solvent
but not soluble in water

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Electrical conductivity

Conduct electricity when

molten or in aqueous
solutions

Do not conduct electricity

Sri07