Question

CAN SOMEONE EXPLAIN? Thanks. Covalent bonds generally form when the bonded elements have a difference in electronegativity less than 1.5. Subtract the electronegativities for the following pairs of elements and predict whether they form a covalent bond.

Electronegativity difference of C and C: ⇒ 0.0
ionic
covalent
Electronegativity difference of Mg and Cl:
ionic
covalent

Answer 1

C and C have an electronegativity difference of 0. So they would definitely form covalent bond

For Mg and Cl, you don't even need electronegativity difference. Mg is a metal whereas Cl is a non metal. Most bonds between a metal and a non metal are ionic bonds