Covalent Bonds vs Ionic Bonds
Difference between Ionic Bond and Covalent Bond: The chemical bonds are stable attractions between atoms, ions or molecules. The formation of chemical bond allows the formation of molecules or compounds. Chemical bonds are classified into different categories based on their formation and strength. Important types of chemical bonds recognized are Covalent bonds, Ionic bonds, Metallic bonds, Dipole-dipole interactions, London dispersion forces and Hydrogen bonds.
The present post discuss about the Similarities and Differences between the Covalent bond and Ionic bond with a Comparison Table.
Covalent bond: A chemical bond formed by the sharing of electron pairs.
Ionic bond: A chemical bond formed by the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions.
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Similarities between Covalent Bond and Ionic Bond
Ø Both covalent and ionic bonds are strong bonds.
Ø Both are primary bonds.
Ø Both bonds result in the formation of complex structures.
Ø The formation of both covalent and ionic bonds results in the formation of more stable compounds than the original.
Ø Formation of covalent and ionic bonds is exothermic.
Ø Compounds formed by both covalent and ionic bonds will have net neutral charge.
Ø Compounds with both covalent and ionic bonds are not malleable.
Difference between Ionic Bond and Covalent Bond
Covalent Bond Ionic Bond
Formation Formed by the sharing of electron pair(s) between two atoms Formed by the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions
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Examples Water, Oxygen molecule, Diamond, Silica Sodium chloride, LiF, CaF2
Bond length Bond length is specific for a particular bond Bond length is highly variable
Bond angle Constant for a particular bond Vary considerably
The bond Consists of shared electrons between the atoms Consists of electrostatic forces between anion and cation
Direction Covalent bond is directional Ionic bond is non-directional.
Shape Have definite shape Do not have definite shape
Electron Orbitals Electron orbitals in covalent bond overlaps Electron orbitals in ionic bonds are separate
Reaction Chemical reactions by a covalent bond will be molecular Chemical reactions by an ionic bond will be ionic
Reaction speed Molecular reactions are comparatively slow Ionic reactions are comparatively instantaneous.
Solubility in water Compounds are insoluble in water and other polar solvents Compounds are soluble in water and other polar solvents
Solubility in nonpolar solvents Readily soluble Insoluble
Conductivity Covalent bonds are poor conductors Bad conductors in solid state but they are good conductors in molten state or in solution
Physical state Compounds are usually solid, liquid or gases Compounds are usually ionizable minerals.
Nature Compounds are usually soft and waxy Compounds will be hard and brittle
Boiling point Low boiling point. High boiling point
Melting point Low melting point High melting point
Stereoisomerism Covalent bonds can exhibit stereoisomerism Ionic bonds do not exhibit space isomerism