Why don't ionic bonds become covalent if the atoms are close enough?

[LogicalAcid]

There are two ways to form these: through Covalent and Ionic bonding, correct? But I have always wondered something about Ionic bonding, if two atoms are attracted to each other due to opposite charges, shouldn't they be close enough to make the electrons be attracted into the opposite atom and basically form a covalent bond?

 

[Borek]

Depends on how tightly they keep electrons to themselves.

 

[LogicalAcid]

Depends on how tightly they keep electrons to themselves.

Related to the electronegativity of an atom riiiiight?

 

[Borek]

Good point.

 

[LogicalAcid]

Good point.

Sooo?

 

[Borek]

So if they keep electrons close enough, they don't share them, and the bond stays ionic.

 

[LogicalAcid]

So if they keep electrons close enough, they don't share them, and the bond stays ionic.

Click.

 

[LogicalAcid]

Click.

Covalent bonds are stronger then, so is it true that some elements form one type of bond easier than others? Because electronegativity differs.

 

[Borek]

so is it true that some elements form one type of bond easier than others?

Yes, and electronegativity is one of the reasons.

What is level of chemistry you are learning?