Covalent
koh-VAY-luhnt
/koʊˈveɪlənt/
Relating to or denoting chemical bonds formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms.
Covalent bonds are typically strong and directional, leading to distinct molecular structures. They are prevalent in organic chemistry.
The story behind the word. The term 'covalent' was coined in 1919 by Irving Langmuir. It's formed from the Latin prefix 'co-' meaning 'together' or 'with,' and 'valent,' referring to 'valence' or 'combining power' (from Latin 'valere,' meaning 'to be strong'). Thus, 'covalent' literally means 'sharing valence' or 'strong together,' perfectly describing the sharing of electrons that forms this type of chemical bond.
Word relationships
- ionic: Involves electron transfer and electrostatic attraction, rather than electron sharing.
Commonly confused with
- Ionic: Covalent bonds involve electron sharing; ionic bonds involve electron transfer and electrostatic attraction.
Word family
- covalence (noun): The state or property of being covalent; the number of covalent bonds an atom can form.
Collocations
- covalent bond
- covalent compound
- polar covalent
- nonpolar covalent
Example sentences
- "Water molecules are held together by strong covalent bonds between oxygen and hydrogen atoms." Explaining a type of chemical bond.
- "Most organic compounds, including plastics and biological molecules, are characterized by their numerous covalent bonds." Discussing organic chemistry.
- "Unlike ionic bonds, covalent bonds involve the sharing, rather than the transfer, of electrons." Comparing bond types.
Memory hook
Think of 'CO-VALENT' as 'CO-operating' with 'VALENT' (valuable) electrons, sharing them. CO-VALENT: CO-operate with electrons
When not to use
Do not use 'covalent' for bonds where electrons are transferred, such as ionic bonds.
Fun facts
- The concept of covalent bonding was crucial to understanding the structure of organic molecules and the mechanisms of many chemical reactions.
- Diamond is an example of a giant covalent structure, where carbon atoms are extensively bonded in a strong, rigid lattice.
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