Structure and Bonding
Chemistry Notes
, Ionic Bonding
Ionic bonding is when electrons are transferred between metals and nonmetals and forms ionic
compounds such as ionic lattices. Ions in ionic bonding are held together by strong forces of
electrostatic attraction acting in all directions.
Ionic Compounds
An ionic compound is held together in a giant lattice structure with oppositely charged ions next to
each other. The lattice extends in all directions in a repeating pattern with electrostatic forces
between the positive and negative ions, holding the structure together.
● General properties of ionic compounds are:
○ High boiling and melting points
○ Strong electrostatic forces of attraction acting in all directions.
○ Can conduct electricity when molten or dissolved in water
○ They are hard and brittle
○ Insoluble in non-polar solvents but soluble in water since the lattice is split up by the
water molecules
* Ionic compounds are electrically neutral meaning the overall charge is 0
Covalent Bonding
Covalent bonding is when electrons are shared instead of transferred. This happens between
nonmetals and forms simple molecular structures or giant covalent lattices.
Simple Molecular
A simple molecular structure has strong covalent bonds between the atoms but weaker
intermolecular forces of attraction. As the mass and size of the molecule increases, the
intermolecular forces also increase.
● Properties shown by covalent bonding include:
○ Low melting and boiling points
○ Does not conduct electricity
○ Brittle
○ Small molecules
Chemistry Notes
, Ionic Bonding
Ionic bonding is when electrons are transferred between metals and nonmetals and forms ionic
compounds such as ionic lattices. Ions in ionic bonding are held together by strong forces of
electrostatic attraction acting in all directions.
Ionic Compounds
An ionic compound is held together in a giant lattice structure with oppositely charged ions next to
each other. The lattice extends in all directions in a repeating pattern with electrostatic forces
between the positive and negative ions, holding the structure together.
● General properties of ionic compounds are:
○ High boiling and melting points
○ Strong electrostatic forces of attraction acting in all directions.
○ Can conduct electricity when molten or dissolved in water
○ They are hard and brittle
○ Insoluble in non-polar solvents but soluble in water since the lattice is split up by the
water molecules
* Ionic compounds are electrically neutral meaning the overall charge is 0
Covalent Bonding
Covalent bonding is when electrons are shared instead of transferred. This happens between
nonmetals and forms simple molecular structures or giant covalent lattices.
Simple Molecular
A simple molecular structure has strong covalent bonds between the atoms but weaker
intermolecular forces of attraction. As the mass and size of the molecule increases, the
intermolecular forces also increase.
● Properties shown by covalent bonding include:
○ Low melting and boiling points
○ Does not conduct electricity
○ Brittle
○ Small molecules
