Ionic Bond vs Covalent Bond: Differences with Examples

Ionic Bond

• Formed by transfer of electrons from metal to non-metal
• Creates ions: cation (+) and anion (−) held by electrostatic attraction
• Example: NaCl — Na loses 1e⁻ → Na⁺, Cl gains 1e⁻ → Cl⁻
• Properties: high MP/BP, conducts electricity when molten/dissolved, soluble in water, forms crystals

Covalent Bond

• Formed by sharing of electron pairs between two non-metals
• No ions formed — shared pair holds atoms together
• Example: H₂O — each H shares 1e⁻ with O; O shares 1e⁻ with each H
• Properties: low MP/BP, does not conduct electricity, often insoluble in water, exists as molecules

Key Differences

• Formation: Ionic = electron transfer, Covalent = electron sharing
• Between: Ionic = metal + non-metal, Covalent = non-metal + non-metal
• State: Ionic = usually solid, Covalent = solid/liquid/gas
• Conductivity: Ionic = conducts when molten, Covalent = non-conductor
• Solubility: Ionic = water-soluble, Covalent = organic solvent-soluble