Chemistry : Chemical Bonds

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What are the Types of Chemical Bonds?

Atoms combine with each other to obtain a "stable nearest-noble-gas-like configuration" to form molecules. They do this through two types of bond formations:

• Electrovalent or Ionic Bonds: In this, electrons are transferred from one atom to another, e.g., NaCl (sodium chloride). Ionic compounds conduct electricity in the molten state or dissolved state. They usually have a high melting point and a high boiling point.
• Covalent Bonds: Here, sharing of electrons takes place, e.g., H₂O (water). Compounds with covalent bonds usually dissolve in non-polar solvents.

Alcohols dissolve in water due to the formation of hydrogen bonds. Hydrogen bonds are stronger than the Van der Waal forces that are responsible for covalent bonding but are weaker than the electrostatic forces responsible for ionic bonding.

Practice Exercise for Chemistry Module on Chemical Bonds