Chemical Compounds = Ionic Bonds?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the nature of chemical compounds, specifically the distinction between ionic and covalent bonds, and whether all compounds consist of ions or can exist as unionized atoms. Participants also explore the implications of ionization in the context of chemical properties and specific examples like ionized water and nitrous oxide.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that both ionic and covalent bonds involve the transformation of elements into ions, questioning if all chemical compounds consist solely of ions.
  • Others argue that it is incorrect to state that compounds consist of ions, clarifying that an ion is a charged atom or molecule, and that compounds can have ionic bonds without all atoms being ions.
  • There is a discussion on electronegativity, with some participants suggesting that it determines whether a bond is covalent, ionic, or somewhere in between.
  • One participant raises a question about ionizing radiation and its effects on the chemical properties of substances like nitrous oxide, particularly regarding its anesthetic properties when ionized.
  • Another participant mentions that covalent compounds are characterized by covalent bonds and are not ionic in nature, emphasizing the role of charge separation in bonding.
  • There is a clarification regarding 'ionized water,' with a participant suggesting that it may refer to 'de-ionized' water, which is a pure form of water with certain impurities filtered out.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether all chemical compounds consist of ions, with some asserting that compounds can exist as unionized atoms. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives on the nature of chemical bonding and ionization.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include varying definitions of terms like "ion" and "compound," as well as the complexity of electronegativity and its implications for bonding types. The discussion does not resolve the nuances of how ionization affects chemical properties.

Mr_Bojingles
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From what I gather both ionic and covalent bonds transform all the elements involved into ions. Does that mean every chemical compound that exists consists of ions and not atoms or are there chemical compounds that are made of pure unionized atoms?

Also when they speak of ionized water what do they mean? If all compounds are made of ions why would a hydrogen oxygen compound be any different?
 
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Mr_Bojingles said:
From what I gather both ionic and covalent bonds transform all the elements involved into ions. Does that mean every chemical compound that exists consists of ions and not atoms or are there chemical compounds that are made of pure unionized atoms?

The overall idea deals with electronegativity. Basically, some elements have more "electron attraction power" than others. Electronegativity varies from element to element.

It is incorrect to say that compounds consist of ions. An ion is an individual atom or molecule that has a distinct charge (i.e. has extra electrons or is missing electrons). Compounds may have ionic bonds, but this does not mean that the atoms are ions (or will even become ions). The measure of electronegativity of a bond determines if it is covalent, ionic or somewhere in between.

The only compound that is completely covalent is one where the atoms involved all have the same elecronegativity (usually identical atoms)
 
Its still a bit vague to me. When they speak of ionizing radiation which ionizes matter by stripping away one or more electrons do they just mean that they unstabilize matter and change the chemical properties of it?

For example if nitrous oxide is bombarded with alpha or beta particles until it loses electrons will that change the effects nitrous oxide has on the brain as an anasthetic or drug?
 
Mr_Bojingles said:
From what I gather both ionic and covalent bonds transform all the elements involved into ions. Does that mean every chemical compound that exists consists of ions and not atoms or are there chemical compounds that are made of pure unionized atoms?

Also when they speak of ionized water what do they mean? If all compounds are made of ions why would a hydrogen oxygen compound be any different?

Covalent compounds consist of covalent bond characters they are not ionic in nature. When there's more or less a separation of charges the compound is essentially together by the net attraction of the opposite charges on the elements that are involved.

"They" probably meant 'de-ionized' water, which has an appropriated dielectric constant as well as total organic carbon content. It's a very pure form of water, with metals as well as carbon based compounds filtered from it.
 

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