Chapter 8, Problem 81A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The difference between a very polar covalent bond and an ionic bond needs to be determined.

Concept Introduction: A bond is said to be polar in nature if there is an electronegativity difference between two atoms. Here, the atom with more electronegativity has a partial negative charge and an atom with less electronegativity has a partial positive charge. Not all molecules with polar bonds are polar molecules, but all polar molecules must have polar bonds.

Explanation of Solution

Covalent bonds are formed by sharing of electrons between two atoms. A covalent bond can be polar or non-polar in nature depending on the electronegativity difference between two atoms bonded together. In the case of very polar covalent bonds, there is a large difference in the electronegativity of atoms bonded together. The atoms bonded via ionic bonds also have a large difference in their electronegativity but here the bond is formed by the complete transfer of electron/s from an atom with low electronegativity to an atom with high electronegativity. In the case of a very polar covalent bond, there is a large difference in electronegativity between two atoms but still sharing of electron pairs results in bond formation. Here, the shared pair of electron/s is slightly towards the more electronegativity atom, The atom with high electronegativity will have a partial negative charge and an atom with low electronegativity will have a partial positive charge.