Question

Explain that an inorganic compound is either ionic or covalent.

Accepted Answer

Inorganic compounds can be formed by chemical bonds between the atoms of different elements. It is found that the elements with their complete outermost shell do not react or are least reactive. We, therefore, conclude that the atoms having $8$ electrons (or $2$ electrons, Helium configuration) in their outermost shells are very stable and unreactive. Therefore, to attain stability, atoms tend to combine chemically by redistribution of electrons in the outermost shell or valence electrons so that each is left with a stable electronic configuration (duplet or octet). There are two methods in which atoms can achieve a stable configuration and form chemical bonds, thereby leading to the formation of inorganic compounds. They are:

The transfer of one or more electrons from one atom to the other to form an electrovalent (or an ionic) bond. Sodium chloride, Magnesium chloride, Calcium oxide, Potassium Bromide, Calcium chloride, etc are a few examples of ionic bonds.

Sharing of one, two or three pairs of electrons between two atoms to form a covalent (or a molecular) bond. Molecules of hydrogen, chlorine, hydrogen chloride, water and ammonia are examples of single covalent bonds. A molecule of oxygen is an example of double covalent bonds. A molecule of nitrogen is an example of triple covalent bonds.

Hence, an inorganic compound can be either ionic or covalent in nature.

Note: Another method is when the shared electron pairs are contributed by only one of the combining atoms, the bond formed is known as a coordinate (or dative) bond. Examples are the ammonium ion and the hydronium ion. But this type of chemical bond doesn't lead to the formation of inorganic compounds, rather only ions.

Explain that an inorganic compound is either ionic or covalent.

Important Questions on Model

Learn and Prepare for any exam you want !