What is covalent character, how does it arise. List a compound it does affect and explain the resulting properties covalent character affects.

Covalent character occurs in ionic bonds when the postive (usually metal) ion is highly charge dense and can polarise the counter ion causing electrons to be shared between the two ions rather than electrons being completely localised on the anion.
Example includes any sensible Lithium/magnesium/aluminium compound (or many others)
Covalent bonds are known to be stronger than ionic bonds so results in higher atomisation energies whilst also reducing melting point due to weaker inter-molecular forces experienced by covalent compounds.

JV

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do you answer a questions on how a buffer solution works?


Predict the bond angles and shape of a molecule of ammonia.


An alcohol, X has an Mr of 74 and percentage composition of 64.9% Carbon, 13.5% Hydrogen and 21.6% Oxygen. It does not turn potassium dichromate (VI) green. Determine the structural formula of X, and state its name.


Calculate the empirical and molecular formula of unknown compound A which gave an m/z of 181 in the mass spectrum for the molecular ion peak. Elemental analysis by combustion shows the compound is C 53%, O 35.4%, H 3.9% and N 7.7%.