Page 8 - 3. Lesson notes - Ch-3 Covalent Bonding

• Properties of Covalent Compounds-

The covalent compounds are made up of neutral molecules where the
participating atoms share electrons and there is no formation of +vely or -vely
charged particles.

So, covalent compounds may be solids or liquids or gases.

a. Covalent Compounds have low boiling and melting points.

Reason- As covalent molecules are neutral particles, the forces of attraction
between them is weak and hence requires a small amount of energy to
overcome these forces of attraction and change the state.

b. Covalent compounds usually dissolve in non polar solvents like petrol,
diesel, alcohol acetone, carbon tetrachloride, oil, kerosene, etc.
They are usually insoluble in water.
Exceptions- Some organic compounds like sugar, alcohol, carboxylic acids
are soluble in water due to HYDROGEN BONDING.

Reason- As water is a polar solvent and covalent compounds do not carry
charges, they are insoluble in water.

Hydrogen Bonding in water

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