The bond formed by mutual sharing of electrons between the combining atoms of the same or different elements is called the covalent bond.
This bond is generally formed between two electronegative atoms, i.e. non-metallic elements.
e.g. CCI4 (carbon tetrachloride).
Covalent compounds have low boiling point and low melting point because of weak intermolecular forces among the atoms. forces am
All covalent compounds are found either in the state of gaseous or liquid state or in the form of volatile solid.
The covalent compounds are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents.
The covalent compound in the liquified state or in the form of its solution are bad conductor of electricity but covalent compounds like NH3, HCI etc., in the form of their aqueous solution conduct electricity.
Compounds having both lonic and Covalent Bonding
There are certain chemical compounds which have both ionic and covalent bonding.
e.g. NaOH (sodium hydroxide). HCN (hydrogen cyanide) H2SO4 (sulphuric acid), CaCO3 (calcium carbonate), etc., have both ionic and covalent bond.
