General Properties of Covalent Compounds
The main characteristic properties of covalent compounds are:-
• State of existence: The covalent compounds do not exist as ions but exist as molecules. There are weak intermolecular forces between the molecules and hence they exist as liquids or gases at room temperature. However, a few compounds also exist in the solid state e.g., urea, sugar etc.
• Low melting and boiling points: The melting and boiling points of covalent compounds are generally low. This is because of the fact that the forces between the molecules are weak and thus are easily overcome at low temperatures.
• Solubility: Covalent compounds are generally insoluble or less soluble in water and in other polar solvents. They are however, soluble in non-polar solvents such as benzene, carbon tetrachloride etc.
• Non-conductors: Since covalent compounds do not give ions in solution, these are poor conductors of electricity in the fused or dissolved state.
• Molecular reactions: The reactions between covalent compounds occur between their molecules. These involve the breaking of covalent bonds in reacting molecules and forming new covalent bonds to give molecules of the products. These reactions are quite slow because energy is required to break covalent bonds.
