39.1k views
3 votes
Polymers are long chains ⛓️ of covalent bonds.

Can similar structures exist for ionic and/or metallic bonding? They don't have to be as useful.

I know there can be polymers with ionic bonds in them, but I am talking about the entire structure (at least the base) being ionic and/or metallic.

Just in case, could they exist for other types of bonding too?

1 Answer

7 votes

Final answer:

Polymers are primarily formed through covalent bonding, but it is possible to have similar structures for ionic and metallic bonding as well.

Step-by-step explanation:

Polymers are giant molecules that consist of long chains of units called monomers connected by covalent bonds. While polymers are primarily formed through covalent bonding, it is possible to have similar structures for ionic and metallic bonding as well.

In the case of ionic bonding, the entire structure would be made up of positive and negative ions held together by electrostatic forces. Examples of ionic polymers include polyethylene oxide and polyacrylic acid. On the other hand, metallic bonding involves the sharing of delocalized electrons between metal atoms, resulting in a network of positive metal ions surrounded by a sea of electrons. Metallic polymers are less common but can be found in certain alloys.

Although polymers predominantly form through covalent bonding, there are exceptions where ionic and metallic bonds can create similar structures.

User Carlos Araya
by
7.8k points