What are the differences between compounds with covalent and ionic bonds?

Question

Accepted Answer

Basis of differentiation

Covalent compounds

Ionic compounds

Definition

Covalent compounds are molecules formed by the sharing of electrons between nonmetal atoms

Ionic compounds are formed by the transfer of electrons from a metal to a nonmetal, resulting in anions and cations

States

Exist in liquid, solid, and gas phases

Generally, ionic compounds exist in a solid-state unless dissolved in water

Solubility

They are typically insoluble in water

Are highly soluble in water

Melting and boiling points

Have low melting and boiling points

Have high melting and boiling points

Conductivity

Have poor conductivity since they are neutral molecules

In the liquid state, ions become free to move throughout the solution, facilitating the conduction of electricity

Electronegativity

Share similar electronegativity of atoms

Exhibit significant difference in electronegativity of atoms

Basis of differentiation	Covalent compounds	Ionic compounds
Definition	Covalent compounds are molecules formed by the sharing of electrons between nonmetal atoms	Ionic compounds are formed by the transfer of electrons from a metal to a nonmetal, resulting in anions and cations
States	Exist in liquid, solid, and gas phases	Generally, ionic compounds exist in a solid-state unless dissolved in water
Solubility	They are typically insoluble in water	Are highly soluble in water
Melting and boiling points	Have low melting and boiling points	Have high melting and boiling points
Conductivity	Have poor conductivity since they are neutral molecules	In the liquid state, ions become free to move throughout the solution, facilitating the conduction of electricity
Electronegativity	Share similar electronegativity of atoms	Exhibit significant difference in electronegativity of atoms