Distinguish covalent and partially covalent chemical bonds

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around distinguishing between covalent and partially covalent chemical bonds, exploring the nuances and classifications of these types of bonds. Participants share their understanding and seek clarification on the topic.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that purely covalent bonds are primarily found in homonuclear diatomic molecules, while others argue that most bonds exhibit some ionic character due to differences in electronegativity.
  • It is noted that the classification of covalent and ionic bonds is not precise, with a continuum of intermediary states existing between the two types.
  • A participant mentions that even homonuclear bonds may have an ionic contribution, complicating the quantification of covalent versus ionic character.
  • One proposed method for analyzing the nature of bonding is the Bader analysis of "atoms in molecules," which is referenced for further exploration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the distinction between covalent and partially covalent bonds is complex and not strictly defined, with multiple competing views on the nature of these bonds remaining unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of consensus on where to draw the line between covalent and ionic bonds, as well as the challenges in quantifying the contributions of each type of bonding.

vinhphysics
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I read some books which mention about covalent and partially covalent chemical bonds. However, I cannot distinguish between them. Who can help me?
Thank you very much!
 
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The only purely covalent bonds I can think of are those in diatomic molecules of gases. In every other case electronegativity of the atoms is different and the bond has some ionic character and some covalent character.

Please note covalent/ionic classification is not precise - while there are obvious differences between bonds (compounds) on both ends of the scale, there is a continuum of intermediary states. Where we put the border between one type of the bond and other type of the bond is just a convention.
 
Borek said:
The only purely covalent bonds I can think of are those in diatomic molecules of gases.
Just to add a precision: that would be homonuclear diatomic molecules. You can add also other special cases like the CC bond in ethane, where the molecule is completely symmetric.
 
DrClaude said:
Just to add a precision: that would be homonuclear diatomic molecules.

Good point, thanks. That's what I had on mind, but the wording was lousy.
 
Even homonuclear bonds have an ionic contribution, and it is not easy to quantify the respective portion of covalent vs. ionic bonding. One appealing methods is the Bader analysis of "atoms in molecules":
http://www.chemistry.mcmaster.ca/aim/
 

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