Final answer:
Covalent compounds are characterized by properties such as low melting and boiling points, non-conductivity, poor water solubility, discrete molecular structure, and being composed of nonmetallic elements. They can exist in different states at room temperature.
Step-by-step explanation:
Covalent compounds have unique properties which arise from the way their molecules bond. Here are at least six properties of covalent compounds:
- Low melting and boiling points: Covalent compounds typically have lower melting and boiling points compared to ionic compounds because the forces holding their molecules together are generally weaker than the ionic bonds in ionic compounds.
- Non-conductivity in the solid state: Most covalent compounds do not conduct electricity in the solid state, as they do not have charged particles (ions) free to move and carry an electric current.
- Poor solubility in water: Many covalent compounds do not dissolve well in water because the polarity of water is often not able to sufficiently interact with the non-polar covalent molecules.
- Formation of molecules: Covalent compounds typically exist as discrete molecules, each with a definite number of atoms.
- Composed of nonmetals: Covalent compounds are formed by the bonding of nonmetallic elements, involving the sharing of electrons between atoms.
- Variable states: They may exist in various states (solid, liquid, or gas) at room temperature depending on the strength of the intermolecular forces present.
A covalent bond involves the sharing of electron pairs between atoms, which is typically indicated using Lewis dot structures. For example, a chlorine molecule (Cl₂) is formed when two chlorine atoms share their unpaired electrons to complete their valence shells, resulting in a stable configuration.