Case study: Ionic compounds Case study: Covalent compounds
Introduction: Ionic compounds are formed through Introduction: Covalent compounds are formed by
the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, the sharing of electrons between atoms, resulting
resulting in the formation of positively and in a diverse range of substances with varying
negatively charged ions held together by physical properties. This case study explores the
electrostatic forces. This case study explores the physical properties of covalent compounds,
physical properties of ionic compounds, examining examining how molecular structures and
how their unique structure and bonding influence intermolecular forces contribute to their behavior
various characteristics and applications. and applications.
1. Crystal Lattice Structure: Ionic compounds have 1. Molecular Structure and Bonding: Covalent
a repeating three-dimensional arrangement of compounds have discrete molecules held together
cations (positively charged ions) and anions by covalent bonds. The arrangement of atoms and
(negatively charged ions), known as a crystal lattice. the types of bonds within molecules influence
The specific arrangement depends on the sizes and their physical properties.
charges of the ions.
2. State of Matter: Ionic compounds are usually 2. State of Matter: Covalent compounds can exist
solids at room temperature and pressure due to as solids, liquids, or gases at room temperature
strong electrostatic forces holding the ions in place. and pressure. The physical state depends on
factors such as molecular size, intermolecular
forces, and temperature.
3. Melting and Boiling Points: 3. Melting and Boiling Points:
Ionic compounds generally have high melting and • Covalent compounds generally have lower
boiling points due to the strong electrostatic melting and boiling points compared to ionic
attraction between ions in the crystal lattice. The compounds due to weaker intermolecular
energy required to break these bonds and separate forces between molecules.
ions contributes to the high melting and boiling • Small covalent molecules, such as diatomic
points. gases (e.g., H2, O2), have low melting and
boiling points due to weak intermolecular
forces.
4. Solubility: 4. Solubility:
Ionic compounds are often soluble in polar solvents • Covalent compounds are often insoluble or
like water due to the attraction between the ions and have low solubility in polar solvents like
the polar solvent molecules. The solubility depends water due to the absence of charged ions.
on factors such as ion size, charge, and the presence
of other ions in the solution.
5. Electrical Conductivity: 5. Electrical Conductivity:
• Ionic compounds conduct electricity when • Covalent compounds in their pure form are
dissolved in water or melted because the ions typically poor conductors of electricity
become mobile and can carry electric charge. because they lack free-moving ions or
• In their solid state, ionic compounds are electrons.
insulators because the ions are fixed in the
crystal lattice.
6. Hardness and Brittleness:
• Ionic compounds are typically hard and brittle
due to the strong electrostatic forces between
ions in the crystal lattice.
• When a force is applied, ions of like charges are
brought closer, leading to repulsion and
causing the crystal to shatter.
7. Applications and Significance: 10. Variability and Applications:
• Ionic compounds have numerous applications, • The wide range of physical properties of
from table salt (sodium chloride) used as a covalent compounds makes them useful for
seasoning to lithium-ion batteries using lithium diverse applications, from semiconductors
cobalt oxide. (silicon) to insulators (diamond) and
• They are essential in various industrial pharmaceuticals (organic molecules).
processes, including metallurgy, ceramics, and
materials science.
