What is a covalent bond?

A covalent bond is the electrostatic attraction between a shared pair of electrons and the nuclei of the 2 bonded atoms.

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Covalent bonds form between what type(s) of atom (metal or non-metal)?

Covalent bonds form between 2 non-metal atoms.

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How many electrons are shared in each covalent bond?

2 electrons

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What is a ‘double covalent bond’?

A double covalent bond is when there are 2 covalent bonds between the same atoms, meaning there are 4 electrons being shared in total (2 electrons per covalent bond).

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What is a dative covalent bond?

A covalent bond in which both the electrons in the bond come from one of the atoms in the bond.


A dative covalent bond can also be called a coordinate bond.

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What are the requirements for the formation of a dative covalent bond between 2 atoms?

  1. One atom must have a lone pair of electrons to donate.
  2. The other atom must be electron deficient (i.e. it must have an incomplete electron shell).

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How are dative covalent bonds represented?

A dative covalent bond is represented by an arrow, pointing towards the atom that is accepting the electron pair.


For example, a dative covalent bond between N and Al is represented below.

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Why do simple molecular structures have low melting points?

They have weak intermolecular forces which require little energy to overcome.

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