C2: Structure, bonding and

the properties of matter

Key Concepts
Types of bonding

Ionic bonding Metal and non-metal atoms

Covalent bonding Non-metal atoms only

Metallic bonding Metal atoms only

All types of bonding involve changes in

the number of electrons in the outer
shells of atoms.
 Ionic compounds

One or more electrons are

transferred from each metal
atom to each non-metal atom.

The positive and negative

ions are strongly attracted
to each other. This
electrostatic attraction is
Examples include - Sodium
Chloride, magnesium called an ionic bond.
chloride.
Properties of Ionic compounds
Example: sodium chloride.
Ionic substances:
• Form crystals due to the regular
arrangement of ions.
• Conduct electricity when molten or
in solution.
• Are brittle
• Are soluble
• Have high melting and boiling points
Covalent Bonds

Bonding between non-metal atoms is called covalent

bonding. This forms molecules.
The atoms share one or more outer electrons to gain a
stable full outer shell.
 Simple covalent structures
Oxygen, water and carbon dioxide are molecules. They
have a simple structure because they only contain a few
atoms.
O
O O O C O
H H
 have low melting and boiling points;
 are usually soft and brittle – they shatter when hit.

 are usually insoluble in water but soluble in other solvents

such as petrol;

 cannot conduct electricity – there are no free

electrons to carry an electrical charge.
Giant covalent structures

All the bonds are covalent,

which means that giant
covalent structures have a
very high melting and boiling
point.

This also means that

almost all giant
covalent structure
are hard but brittle.
Metallic Bonds

Bonding within the atoms of a metal is metallic bonding.

Positive ions are held together by a sea of delocalised
Electrons.
Polymerisation

Heat
Pressure
Catalyst