What are covalent compounds ? Why are they different from ionic compounds ? List their characteristic properties .

Explanation

Covalent compounds : The chemical bond by the sharing of electrons between two atom is known as a covalent bond. Fthe molecules formed by sharing of electrons between two or more same atoms or between two or more non-metals are called covalent compounds.

Characteristics of covalent compounds :
(i) Covalent compounds usually have low melting and boiling points as they are formed by electrically neutral molecules. So, the force of attraction between the molecules of covalent compounds is very weak. Only a small amount of heat energy is required to break these forces.
(ii) Covalent compounds are usually insoluble in water but they are soluble in organic solvents.
(iii) Covalent compounds do not conduct electricity as they do not contain ions.