Covalent (also called Molecular) bonds consist of two or more non-metals. This results in valence electrons being shared between atoms.
CH4 is a good example of electrons shared to form a covalent bond and represented in a Lewis Structure.
Remember that in covalent bonding valance electrons are shared to form the chemical bond. This influences the properties of covalent compounds.
Property | Ionic Bonds | Covalent Bonds |
---|---|---|
State | crystalline solids | solids, liquids, gases |
Melting and Boiling point | High | Low |
Solubility | Usually dissolves in water but not in non-polar liquids | Usually soluble in non-polar liquids but not in water |
Conductivity | Conducts electricity when melted or dissolved in water. | Does not conduct electricity. |
Hardness | Hard and brittle | For covalent solids - usually soft |