Chem 2.3

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Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Your notes

Chemistry
Simple Molecules & Covalent Bonds
Contents
Covalent Bonds
Molecules & Compounds
Properties of Simple Molecular Compounds
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Covalent Bonds
Your notes
The formation of covalent bonds
Covalent compounds
Covalent compounds are formed when pairs of electrons are shared between atoms
Only non-metal elements participate in covalent bonding
As in ionic bonding, each atom gains a full outer shell of electrons, giving them a noble gas electronic
configuration
Covalently bonded substances may consist of small molecules or giant molecules
When two or more atoms are covalently bonded together, we describe them as ‘molecules’
Dot-and-cross diagrams can be used to show the electronic configurations in simple molecules
Electrons from one atom are represented by a dot, and the electrons of the other atom are
represented by a cross
The electron shells of each atom in the molecule overlap and the shared electrons are shown in the
area of overlap
The dot-and-cross diagram of the molecule shows clearly which atom each electron originated
from
Diagram to show the formation of a covalent bond
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Your notes
Diagram showing how a covalent bond forms between two chlorine atoms
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EXAMINER TIP
Your notes
When drawing dot-and-cross diagrams for covalent compounds, make sure that the electron shell
for each atom is full (remember that the 1st shell can only hold 2 electrons).
Single covalent bonds

Many simple molecules exist in which two adjacent atoms share one pair of electrons, also known as a
single covalent bond (or single bond)
Common Examples of Simple Molecules

Hydrogen:
Chlorine:
Water:
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Your notes
Methane:
Ammonia:
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Your notes
Hydrogen chloride:
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Molecules & Compounds

Your notes
Covalent bonds in complex covalent molecules
Extended tier only
Some atoms need to share more than one pair of electrons to gain a full outer shell of electrons
If two adjacent atoms share two pairs of electrons, two covalent bonds are formed, also known as a
double bond
If two adjacent atoms share three pairs of electrons, three covalent bonds are formed, also known as a
triple bond
Nitrogen:
When 2 nitrogen atoms react they share 3 pairs of electrons to form a triple bond
Ethene:
In ethene, the 2 carbon atoms share 2 pairs of electrons
This is known as a double bond
Page 7 of 12
Your notes
Methanol:
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Carbon Dioxide:
Your notes
EXAMINER TIP
Be careful when drawing dot-and-cross diagrams, it is a common mistake for students to draw the
wrong type of diagram.
Remember, if the compound contains metal and non-metal, it is an ionic compound and you need
to draw the ions separated, with square brackets around each ion, together with a charge.
If the compound contains non-metal atoms only, it is a covalent compound, the shells should
overlap and contain one or more pairs of electrons.
Page 9 of 12
Properties of Simple Molecular Compounds

Your notes
Properties of simple molecular compounds
Small molecules are compounds made up of molecules that contain just a few atoms covalently
bonded together
They have low melting and boiling points so covalent compounds are usually liquids or gases at room
temperature
As the molecules increase in size, the melting and boiling points generally increase
Small molecules have poor electrical conductivity
Explaining the properties of simple molecular

compounds
Extended tier only
Linking bonding and properties
Small molecules have covalent bonds joining the atoms together, but intermolecular forces that act
between neighbouring molecules
They have low melting and boiling points as there are only weak intermolecular forces acting between
the molecules
These forces are very weak when compared to the covalent bonds and so most small molecules are
either gases or liquids at room temperature
As the molecules increase in size the intermolecular forces also increase as there are more electrons
available
This causes the melting and boiling points to increase
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Your notes
The bonds between hydrogen and oxygen in water are COVALENT, and the attractions between the
molecules are INTERMOLECULAR FORCES which are about one tenth as strong as covalent bonds
Electrical Conductivity
Molecular compounds are poor conductors of electricity as there are no free ions or electrons to carry
the charge.
Most covalent compounds do not conduct at all in the solid state and are thus insulators
Common insulators include the plastic coating around household electrical wiring, rubber and wood
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The plastic coating around electrical wires is made from covalent molecules that do not allow a flow of
charge
Your notes
EXAMINER TIP
The atoms within covalent molecules are held together by covalent bonds while the molecules in a
covalent substance are attracted to each other by intermolecular forces.
Page 12 of 12

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Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Your notes

Diagram to show the formation of a covalent bond

Single covalent bonds

Common Examples of Simple Molecules

Molecules & Compounds

Properties of Simple Molecular Compounds

Explaining the properties of simple molecular

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