Final answer:
Ionic compounds are usually formed between metals and nonmetals, while covalent compounds are formed between nonmetals. Organometallic compounds, which contain a metal-carbon bond, are generally considered to be covalent.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ionic compounds are usually formed when a metal and a nonmetal combine, while covalent compounds are formed by a combination of nonmetals. To determine whether a compound is ionic or covalent, we can use the positions of the elements in the periodic table as a guideline. In general, compounds between metals and nonmetals are ionic, while compounds between nonmetals are covalent.
Organometallic compounds are compounds that contain a metal-carbon bond. These compounds are typically considered to be covalent, as they are formed between two nonmetals (a metal and carbon). Examples of organometallic compounds include methyl lithium (CH3Li), methyl magnesium iodide (CH3MgI), and cyclopentadienyl iron (C5H5Fe).
Therefore, organometallic compounds are generally covalent rather than ionic.