Non-polar Covalent bonds
- A covalent bond is formed when two nonmetals share a pair of electrons
- Atoms form covalent bonds to gain a full outer shell of electrons
- Compounds that are formed by elements joined by covalent bonds are molecules
- Covalent bonds come in different presentations:
- A single covalent bond occurs when one pair of electrons is shared, and each atom contributes with one valence electron
- A double covalent bond occurs when two pairs of electrons are shared, and each atom contributes with two valence electrons
- A triple covalent bond occurs when three pairs of electrons are shared, and each atom contributes with three valence electrons
- The nature of the covalent bond depends in the difference of electronegativity between the atoms that share the pairs of electrons
- Using the Pauling’s scale of electronegativity, if the difference is smaller than 0.4, the covalent bond is nonpolar
- Nonpolar covalent bonds are formed when two elements with similar or equal electronegativity share pairs of electrons
- E.g. Chlorine gas is a diatomic element. Therefore, it exists in nature as a molecule of Cl2 instead of an individual atom Cl
- The two chlorine atoms form a single covalent bond sharing a pair of electrons as shown in the image below
- Since both atoms are the same, their difference in electronegativity is 0
- Therefore, the nature of the covalent bond is nonpolar
The Formation of a Chlorine Molecule, Cl2
Diagram showing how a covalent bond forms between two chlorine atoms
Exam Tip
The known diatomic elements are: H2, N2,F2, O2, I2, Cl2, Br2. You can remember them by using the mnemonic: Have No Fear Of Ice Cold Bear