Ionic vs. molecular

Ionic compounds

Metals are good electron donors, and nonmetals are good electron acceptors.

Comparing ionic and covalent compounds

Quiz Quiz
classifying compounds as ionic or covalent
Table: Comparing ionic and molecular compounds.

Molecular compounds Ionic compounds
smallest particles molecules cations and anions
origin of bonding electron sharing electron transfer
forces between particles strong bonds between atoms
weak attractions between molecules
strong attractions between anions and cations
strong repulsions between ions of like charge
elements present close on the periodic table widely separated on the periodic table
metallic elements present rarely usually
electrical conductivity poor good, when melted or dissolved
state at room temperature solid, liquid, or gas solid
melting and boiling points lower higher
other names covalent compounds salts



General Chemistry Online! Ionic vs. molecular

Copyright © 1997-2005 by Fred Senese
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Last Revised 02/23/18.URL: http://antoine.frostburg.edu/chem/senese/101/compounds/print-ionicvscovalent.shtml