Electrovalent and Covalent compounds

Comparison between Ionic compounds and Covalent compounds:

Ionic compounds	Covalent compounds
1.      As the ions in ionic compounds are held by the strong electrostatic force of attraction they : ü  Exist in solid state ü  Are non volatile ü  Have high boiling and melting points	1.      In these compounds the molecules are have weak Vander waal’s forces so they: ü  Exist as soft solids, liquids and gases. ü  Are  non- volatile ü  Have low boiling and melting points.
2.      These compounds undergo dissociation and become free in their molten or aqueous solution form hence they conduct electricity. ü  They are non conductors in solid state because the ions are not free.	2.      Polar covalent compounds undergo ionization in their aqueous solutions and produce free ions so they conduct electricity in aqueous solutions. ü  Non-polar compounds do not undergo ionization so they are non-conductors. e.g. CCl4
3.      These can be electrolysed in their molten state or aqueous solutions.	3.      Polar covalent compounds can be electrolysed in their aqueous solutions.
4.      Soluble in water.	4.      Polar compounds are soluble in polar solvents like water. Non polar compounds are soluble in non polar solvents like Benzene
5.      Reactions between ionic compounds take place rapidly in their solutions since they produce free ions easily.	5.      Covalent compounds undergo slow reactions because they have to break the bonds and form new bonds.