Chapter 4

Structure of Molecules
Major Concepts
4.1 Why do atoms react?
Time allocation
4.2 Chemical bonds
Teaching periods 16
4.3 Types of bonds
4.4 Intermolecular forces
Assessment periods 04
4.5 Nature of bonding and properties Weightage 8%

Students Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• Find the number of valence electrons in an atom using the Periodic Table.
• Describe the importance of noble gas electronic configurations.
• State the octet and duplet rule.
• Explain how elements attain stability.
• Describe the ways in which bonds may be formed.
• State the importance of electronic configurations in formation of ion.
• Describe formation of cations from an atom of a metallic element.
• Describe formation of anion from a non-metallic element.
• Describe characteristic of ionic bond.
• Recognize a compound as having ionic bonds.
• Identify characteristics of ionic compounds.
• Describe formation of covalent bond between two non-metallic elements.
• Describe with examples single, double and triple covalent bonds.
• Draw electron cross and dot structure of simple covalent molecules
containing single, double and triple covalent bonds.

Introduction
IThe things around us are composed of matter. All matter is made up of the
building units 'atoms'. These atoms combine to form molecules, which appear in
different states of matter around us. The forces responsible for binding the atoms
together in a molecule are called chemical forces or chemical bonds. These bonding
forces which keep the atom together will be discussed in this chapter.
Chemistry - IX 59 Unit 4: Structure of Molecules

4.1 WHY DO ATOMS FORM CHEMICAL BONDS?

It is a universal rule that everything in this world tends to become more stable.
Atoms achieve stability by attaining electronic configuration of noble gases (He, Ne or
Ar, etc) i.e. ns2 np6. Having 2 or 8 electrons in the valence shell is sign of stability.
Attaining two electrons in the valence shell is called duplet rule while attaining eight
electrons in the valence shell is called octet rule.
The noble gases do have 2 or 8 electrons in their valence shells. It means all the
noble gases have their valence shells completely filled. Their atoms do not have vacant
space in their valence shell to accommodate extra electrons. Therefore, noble gases do
not gain, lose or share electrons. That is why they are non-reactive.
The importance of the noble gas electronic configuration lies in the fact that all
other atoms try their best to have the noble gas electronic configuration. For this purpose,
atoms combine with one another, which is called chemical bonding. In other words,
atoms form chemical bonds to achieve stability by acquiring inert gas electron
configuration.
An atom can accommodate 8 electrons in its valence shell in three ways:
i. By giving valence shell electrons (if they are less than three) to other
atoms.
ii. By gaining electrons from other atoms (if the valence shell has five or
more electrons in it).
iii. By sharing valence electrons with other atoms.
It means every atom has a natural tendency to have 2 or 8 electrons in its valence
shell. The atoms having less than 2 or 8 electrons in their valence shells are unstable.
Now the question arises that how can we identify the way an atom reacts? The
position of an atom in the periodic table indicates its group number. As we have studied
in chapter 3, the group number is assigned on the basis of valence shell electrons. For
example, group 1 has only 1 electron in its valence shell and group 17 has 7 electrons in
its valence shell. Mode of reaction of an atom depends upon its number of valence shell
electrons. It is discussed in the next sections.
4.2 CHEMICAL BOND
A chemical bond is defined as a force of attraction between atoms that holds
them together in a substance. In other words, during bond formation there is some force
which holds the atoms together.
This attaining of 8 electrons configuration in the outermost shell either by
sharing, by losing or by gaining electrons, is called octet rule. This octet rule only
symbolizes that noble gas electronic configuration should be attained by atoms when
they combine or react. For elements like hydrogen or helium; which have only
Chemistry - IX 60 Unit 4: Structure of Molecules

s-subshell, this becomes 'duplet rule'. It plays a significant role in understanding the
formation of chemical bond between atoms.
If the bond formation is between ions, it is due to an electrostatic force of
attraction between them. But if bond formation is between similar atoms or between the
atoms that have comparable electronegativities, then the chemical bond formation is by
'sharing' of electrons. This sharing of electrons may be mutual or one sided.
When two approaching atoms come closer, the attractive as well as repulsive
forces become operative. The formation of a chemical bond is a result of net attractive
forces which dominate. The energy of that system is lowered and molecule is formed.
Otherwise if repulsive forces become dominant no chemical bond will be formed. In that
case there will be increase in the energy of the system due to creation of repulsive forces.
4.3 TYPES OF CHEMICAL BOND
The valence electrons, which are involved in chemical bonding, are termed as
bonding electrons. They usually reside in the incomplete or partially filled outermost
shell of an atom. Depending upon the way how these valence electrons are involved in
bonding, they result in following four types of chemical bonds:
Ionic Bond
Covalent Bond
Dative Covalent or Coordinate Covalent Bond
Metallic Bond
4.3.1 Ionic Bond
The elements of Group-1 and Group-2 being metals have the tendency to lose
their valence electrons forming positively charged ions. Whereas non-metals of Group-
15 to Group-17 have the tendency to gain or accept electrons. They are electronegative
elements with high electron affinities. If atoms belonging to these two different groups,
metals and non-metals, are allowed to react, chemical bond is formed. This type of
chemical bond, which is formed due to complete transfer of electron from one atom to
another atom, is called ionic bond.
The formation of NaCl is a good example of this type of bond.

Sodium chloride is a simple compound formed by sodium (Z =11) and chlorine

(Z=17) atoms. The ground state electronic configuration of these elements is shown
below:
Chemistry - IX 61 Unit 4: Structure of Molecules

The frames indicate electrons in the valence shells of these elements; sodium has only
one electron and chlorine has seven electrons. Sodium being electropositive element has
the tendency to lose electron and chlorine being an electronegative element has the
tendency to gain electron. Therefore, they form positive and negative ions by losing and
gaining electrons, respectively. They attain electronic configuration to the nearest noble
gases.

1s2, 2s2, 2p6 (Ne)

1s2, 2s2, 2p6, 3s2, 3p6 (Ar)

By losing one electron from the outermost shell, sodium becomes Na+ ion and it
is left with 8 electrons in the second shell which will now become the valence shell. By
gaining one electron, chlorine atom now also has eight electrons in its outermost shell
and becomes CI ion. Both of these atoms are now changed into oppositely charged ions.
They stabilize themselves by combining with each other due to electrostatic force of
attraction between them such as:

It is to be noted that only valence shell electrons take part in this type of bonding, while
other electrons are not involved. In such type of reaction heat is usually given out. The
compounds formed due to this type of bonding are called ionic compounds.

i. Why does sodium form a chemical bond with chlorine?

ii. Why does sodium lose an electron and attains +1 charge?
iii. How do atoms follow octet rule?
iv. Which electrons are involved in chemical bonding?
v. Why does group 1 elements prefer to combine with group 17
Test yourself elements.
4.1
vi. Why chlorine can accept only 1 electron?
vi. Why and how elements are arranged in a period?

4.3.2 Covalent Bond

The elements of Group-13 to Group-17 when allowed to react with each other,
they form a chemical bond by mutual sharing of their valence shell electrons. This type
of bond, which is formed due to mutual sharing of electrons, is called a covalent bond.
The energy changes during the covalent bond formation are of considerable
value. When two atoms approach each other attractive forces develop between electrons
of one atom and nucleus of the other atom. Simultaneously, repulsive forces between
Chemistry - IX 62 Unit 4: Structure of Molecules

electrons of the two atoms as well as between their nuclei are also created. When the
attractive forces dominate due to decrease in distance between those two atoms, a
chemical bond is formed between them. The formation of hydrogen, chlorine, nitrogen
and oxygen gases are few examples of this type of bonding.
Types of covalent bonds
As described above, the covalent bond is formed by mutual sharing of electrons
between two atoms. The electrons that pair up to form a chemical bond are called 'bond
pair' electrons. Depending upon the number of bond pairs, covalent bond is classified
into following three types:
Single Covalent bond
When one electron is contributed by each bonded atom, one bond pair is formed
and it forms a single covalent bond. While drawing the structure of such molecules the
single bond pair is indicated by a line between those two atoms. A few examples of
molecules with single covalent bonds are hydrogen (H2), chlorine (CI2), hydrochloric
acid (HQ) and
H methane
+ x H (CH4). H xH or H H ; H2
single covalent bond
xx xx
Cl x Cl x
x H xCl x
x H H
xx xx x
; ; H x Cx x H H C H
Cl Cl H Cl
H H

Double Covalent bond

When each bonded atom contributes two electrons, two bond pairs are shared
and a double covalent bond is formed. These bond pairs are indicated as double line
between those atoms in the structure of such molecules. The molecules like oxygen (O2)
gas and ethene (C2H4) show such type of double covalent bonds.
xx xx
x x
O + x O O x O or O O ; O2
xx xx
double covalent bond

H x
x H H H
x
C x C C C
x
x
H H H H

Triple Covalent Bond

When each bonded atom contributes three electrons, three bond pairs are
involved in bond formation. This type is called triple covalent bond. Three small lines
are used to indicate these three pairs of electrons between those atoms in the molecules of
Chemistry - IX 63 Unit 4: Structure of Molecules

such compounds. The examples of molecules having triple covalent bonds are nitrogen
(N2) and ethyne (C2H2).
x x
N + x N xx N x
x N x
x or N N ; N2
x
triple covalent bond
x
H x C xx C x H H C C H
By this mutual sharing of valence shell electrons, each of the contributing atom attains
the 'Octet' or nearest noble gas electronic configuration.

The electronic configuration of the valence shells of

atoms is shown in small 'dots' or 'crosses' around the
symbol of the element. Each dot or cross represents
an electron. This is a standard method of Lewis to
describe the electronic configuration of valence shell
Do you know? of an atom. It is called Lewis Structure Diagram.

4.3.3 Dative Covalent or Coordinate Covalent Bond

Coordinate covalent or dative covalent bonding is a type of covalent bonding
in which the bond pair of electrons is donated by one bonded atom only. The atom which
donates the electron pair is called donor and the atom which accepts the electron pair is
called acceptor. A small arrow is usually used to indicate the atom and pair of electron
being donated. The head of arrow is towards the acceptor atom.
The non-bonded electron pair available on an atom, like the one available on
nitrogen in ammonia,(NH3) is called a lone pair. When a proton (H+) approaches a
molecule with a lone pair of
electrons, that lone pair is donated +
H H
to H+ and a coordinate covalent x x

bond is formed, e.g. formation of H N + H+ H N H

x

+ x
ammonium radical (NH4 ).
x

H H
In the formation of BF3
x
x

x
x

(boron trifluoride) molecule, H xFx

x x H xFx
x x
x x x x
three valence electrons of boron
x
x

x
x

B F xx B F xx
atom (Z= 5) pair up with three H N + H N
x

x
x

x
x
x

x
x

x x x x
x x x x
electrons, one from each three H x Fx H x Fx
x
x

x
x

fluorine atoms. The boron atom

Fig. 4.1 Dative covalent bond (red arrow)
even after this sharing of electrons
(covalent bond formation),
remains short or deficit of two electrons in its outermost shell. Now if a molecule with a
lone pair approaches this molecule, it accepts lone pair from that donor and forms a
coordinate covalent bond. The lone pair on nitrogen of ammonia molecule makes it a
good donor molecule to form a coordinate covalent bond as shown in figure 4.1.
Chemistry - IX 64 Unit 4: Structure of Molecules

4.3.4 Polar and Non-polar Covalent Bond

If a covalent bond is formed between two similar atoms (homo-atoms), the
shared pair of electrons is attracted by both the atoms equally. Such type of bond is called
non-polar covalent bond. These bonds are formed by equal sharing of electron pair
between the two bonding atoms. This type of bond is called a pure covalent bond. For
example, bond formation in H2 and CI2.
If the covalent bond is formed between two different types of atoms (hetro-
atoms) then the bond pair of electrons will not be attracted equally by the bonded atoms.
One of the atoms will attract the bond pair of electrons more strongly than the other one.
This atom(element) will be called as more electronegative.
When there is difference of electronegativity between two covalently bonded
atoms, there will be unequal attraction for the bond pair of electrons between such atoms.
It will result in the formation of polar covalent bond. The difference between
electronegativities of hydrogen and chlorine is 1.0. As the electronegativity of chlorine is
more, it attracts the shared pair of electron towards itself with a greater force. A partial
negative charge is therefore created on chlorine and in turn a partial positive charge on
hydrogen due to electronegativity difference. It creates polarity in the bond and is called
polar covalent bond.
 
x
x

x
x
H + x Cl x
x H x Cl x
x
x
x

x
x
E.N. = 2.2 E.N. = 3.2

The delta ( ) sign indicates partial positive or partial negative charge that is
developed due to unequal sharing of shared pair or bonded pair of electrons. The
compounds resulting from polar covalent bonds are called polar compounds. For
example: water, hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen chloride.

By using electronegativity values, it is possible to predict whether a chemical

bond will be ionic or covalent in nature. A bond formed between elements of high
electronegativity (halogen group) and elements of low electronegativity (alkali metals)
are ionic in nature. There is complete transfer of electrons between them. The bond
between elements of comparable electronegativities will be covalent in nature as the
bond between carbon and hydrogen in methane, or nitrogen and hydrogen in ammonia. If
the difference of electronegativities between two elements is more than 1.7 the bond
between them will be predominantly ionic bond and if it is less than 1.7, the bond between
two atoms will be predominantly covalent.
Chemistry - IX 65 Unit 4: Structure of Molecules

i. Give the electronic configuration of carbon atom.

ii. What type of elements have tendency of sharing of electrons?
iii. If repulsive forces dominate to attractive forces will a covalent bond form?
iv. Considering the electronic configuration of nitrogen atom, how many
electrons are involved in bond formation and what type of covalent bond is
Test yourself formed.
4.2 v. Point out the type of covalent bonds in the following molecules
CH4, C2H4, H2, N2, and O2
vi. What is a lone pair? How many lone pairs of electrons are present on
nitrogen in ammonia?
vii. Why is the BF3 electron deficient?
viii. What types of electron pairs make a molecule good donor?
ix. What is difference between bonded and lone pair of electron and how many
bonded pair of electrons are present in NH3 molecule?
x. What do you mean by delta sign and why it develops?
xi. Why does oxygen molecule not form a polar covalent bond?
xii. Why has water polar covalent bonds?

4.3.5 Metallic Bond

The metallic bond is defined as a bond formed between metal atoms
(positively charged ions) due to mobile or free electrons. The different properties
shown by metals such as high melting and boiling points, good conductions of heat and
electricity, hard and heavy nature, suggest existence of different type of chemical bond
between atoms of metals.
In case of metals, the hold of nucleus over the outermost electrons is weak
because of large sized atoms and greater number of shells in between nucleus and
valence electrons. Furthermore, because of low ionization potentials, metals have the
tendency to lose their outermost electrons easily. Resultantly, these loose or free
electrons of all metal atoms move freely in the spaces between atoms of a metal. None
of these electrons is attached to any particular atom. Either they belong to a common
pool, or belong to all the atoms of that metal. Nuclei of metal atoms appear submerged
in sea of these free mobile electrons. These mobile electrons are responsible for
holding the atoms of metals together forming a metallic bond. A simple metallic bond
is shown in figure 4.2.
Chemistry - IX 66 Unit 4: Structure of Molecules

+ + + + + +

+ + + + + +

+ + + + + +

+ + + + + +
Fig. 4.2 A schematic diagram of Copper wire showing its positive
nuclei (+) embedded in sea of free electrons (o) making 'Metallic Bonding’

4.4 INTERMOLECULAR FORCES

As discussed earlier, the forces that hold atoms in a compound are chemical
bonds. In addition to these strong bonding forces, relatively weak forces also exist in
between the molecules, which are called intermolecular forces. The bonding and
intermolecular forces of hydrochloric acid are shown below:
chemical bond

     
H Cl H Cl H Cl

intermolecular forces

It requires about 17 kJ energy to break these intermolecular forces between

one mole of liquid hydrogen chloride molecules to convert it into gas. Whereas, about
430 kJ energy's required to break the chemical bond between hydrogen and chlorine
atoms in 1 mole of hydrogen chloride.
4.4.1 Dipole - Dipole Interaction
All intermolecular forces, which are collectively called van der Waals forces,
are electrical in nature. They result from the attractions of opposite charges which may
be temporary or permanent. The unequal sharing of electrons between two different
types of atoms make one end of molecule slightly positive and other end slightly
negatively charged. As shared pair of electron is drawn towards more electronegative
Chemistry - IX 67 Unit 4: Structure of Molecules

atom, it is partially negatively charged, as chlorine in hydrogen chloride. The other end
automatically becomes partially positively charged.

When partial positive and partial negative charges exist at different positions in a
molecule, the adjacent molecules will arrange themselves in such a way that negative
end of that molecule comes near to positive end of other molecule. It results in a net
forces of attraction between oppositely charged ends of two adjacent molecules. These
attractive forces are called dipole – dipole interactions as represented in HC1:

4.4.2 Hydrogen Bonding

Hydrogen bonding is a special type of intermolecular forces present in the
permanently polar molecules. This bonding can be considered unique dipole-dipole
attraction. This force of attraction develops between molecules that have a hydrogen
atom bonded to a small, highly electronegative atom with lone pairs of electrons such as
nitrogen, oxygen and fluorine. The covalent bond between hydrogen atom and other
atom becomes polar enough to create a partial positive charge on hydrogen atom and a
partial negative charge on the other atom. The small size and high partial positive charge
on the hydrogen atom enables it to attract highly electronegative (N,O or F) atom of the
other molecule. So, partially positively charged hydrogen atom of one molecule attracts
and forms a bond with the partially negatively charged atom of the other molecule, the
bonding is called hydrogen bonding. This force of attraction is represented by a dotted
line between the molecules as shown below:
          
H O H O H O H O
H H H H
   

       
H O H O H O H O
 H  H  H  H

Hydrogen bonding affects the physical properties of the molecules. Due to this boiling
points of the compounds are affected greatly. For example, boiling point of water
Chemistry - IX 68 Unit 4: Structure of Molecules

(100 °C) is higher than that of alcohol (78 °C) because of more and stronger hydrogen
bonding in water.
The important phenomenon of floating of ice over water is because of hydrogen
bonding. The density of ice at 0 °C (0.917 gem3) is less than that of liquid water at
0°C (1.00 gem3). In the liquid state water molecules move randomly. However, when
water freezes, the molecules arrange themselves in an ordered form, that gives them
open structure. This process expands the molecules, that results in ice being less dense as
compared to water.

i. What type of elements form metallic bonds?

ii. Why is the hold of nucleus over the outermost electrons in metals weak?
iii. Why the electrons move freely in metals?
iv. Which types of electrons are responsible for holdings the atoms together
in metals.
v. Why a dipole develops in a molecule ?
vi. What do you mean by induced dipole ?
Test yourself vii. Why are dipole forces of attraction not found in halogen molecules?
4.3 viii. What types of attractive forces exist between HCl molecules?
ix. Define intermolecular forces; show these forces among HCl molecule.

4.5. NATURE OF BONDING AND PROPERTIES

Properties of the compounds depend upon the nature of bonding present in them.
Let us discuss the effects of nature of bonding on the properties of compounds.
4.5.1 Ionic Compounds
Ionic compounds are made up of positively and negatively charged ions. Thus
they consist of ions and not the molecules. These positively and negatively charged ions
are held together in a solid or crystal form with strong electrostatic attractive forces. The
orderly arrangement of Na+ and CI" ions in a solid crystal of sodium chloride is shown in
figure 4.3.

Na Cl
Figure 4.3 Regular arrangement of Na+ and CI ions in solid crystal of NaCl
Chemistry - IX 69 Unit 4: Structure of Molecules

The ionic compounds have following properties:

i. Ionic compounds are mostly crystalline solids.
ii. Ionic compounds in solid state have negligible electrical conductance but they
are good conductors in solution and in the molten form. It is due to presence
of free ions in them.
iii. Ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points. For example, sodium
chloride has melting point 800 °C and a boiling point 1413 °C. As ionic
compounds are made up of positive and negative ions, there exist strong
electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions. So, a great
amount of energy is required to break these forces.
iv. They dissolve easily in polar solvents like water. Water has high dielectric
constant that weakens the attraction between ions.
4.5.2 Covalent Compounds
The covalent compounds are made up of molecules that are formed by mutual
sharing of electrons between their atoms i.e. covalent bonds. A covalent bond is
generally regarded as weaker than an ionic bond. Covalent compounds are made up of
two or more non-metals, e.g. H2, CH4, CO2, H2SO4, C6H12O6. Lower molecular mass
covalent compounds are gases or low boiling liquids. Contrary to it, higher molecular
mass covalent compounds are solids. General properties shown by covalent compound
are as follows:
i. They have usually low melting and boiling points.
ii. They are usually bad conductors of electricity. The compounds having polar
character in their bonding are conductor of electricity when they dissolve in
polar solvents.
iii. They are usually insoluble in water but are soluble in non-aqueous solvents
like benzene, ether, alcohol and acetone.
iv. Large molecules with three dimensional bonding form covalent crystals which
are very stable and hard. They have very high melting and boiling points.
Polar and Non-Polar Compounds
As discussed earlier the polarity in a chemical bond is due to difference in
electronegativities of the bonding atoms. On the Pauling Scale, fluorine has been given
an electronegativity value of 4.0. The values for other elements are calculated relative to
it.
Properties of non-polar and polar covalent compounds differ to some extent.
Non-polar covalent compounds usually do not dissolve in water while polar covalent
compounds usually dissolve in water. Similarly non-polar compounds do not conduct
electricity but an aqueous solution of a polar compound usually conduct electricity due
to the formation of ions as a result of its reaction with water.
Chemistry - IX 70 Unit 4: Structure of Molecules

4.5.3 Coordinate Covalent Compounds

Their properties are mostly similar to those of covalent compounds. As the nuclei
in these compounds are held by shared pair of electrons, therefore, they do not form ions
in water. Due to their covalent nature they form solutions in organic solvents and are very
less soluble in water. Usually they are rigid compounds with a dipole.
4.5.4 Metals
Metals have common property of conducting heat and electricity. It gives them prime
role in many industires. Major properties shown by the metals are as follows:
i. They show metallic luster.
ii. They are usually malleable and ductile. Malleability is the property by virtue
of which a metal can be rolled into sheets, while ductility is the property by
virtue of which a metal can be drawn into wires.
iii. They have usually high melting and boiling points.
iv. Being greater in size they have low ionization energies and form cations (M+)
very easily.
v. They are good conductors of heat and electricity in solid and liquid state due
to mobile electrons.

i. Why the ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points?
ii. What do you mean by malleability?
iii. Why are ionic compounds easily soluble in water?
iv. What type of bond exists in sodium chloride ?
Test yourself v. Why the covalent compounds of bigger size molecules have high melting
4.4 points?
vi. (a): What is the electronegativity difference between the following pair of
elements (atoms). Predict the nature of the bond between them?
(a) H and CI (b)H and Na (c) Na and I (d) K and CI
(b): Comparing the electronegativity differences, arrange these
compounds in increasing ionic strength.

Synthetic Adhesives
Although natural adhesives are less expensive to produce, but most
important adhesives used now a days are synthetic. Adhesives based on
synthetic resins and rubbers excel in versatility and performance. Synthetic
adhesives can be produced in a sufficient supply with uniform properties and
they can be modified in many ways. The polymers or resins used in synthetic
adhesives fall into two general categories—thermoplastics and thermoseting.
One form of polymer used industrially is epoxy adhesive.
Chemistry - IX 71 Unit 4: Structure of Molecules

AIR CRAFTS, CARS, TRUCKS AND BOATS ARE PARTIALLY HELD TOGETHER WITH
EPOXY ADHESIVES
Epoxy is polymer that is formed from two different chemicals. These are referred to as
resin and the hardener. Epoxy adhesives are called structural adhesives. These high-
performance adhesives are used in the construction of aircraft, automobiles, bicycles, boats,
golf clubs, where high strength bonds are required. Epoxy adhesives can be developed to suit
almost any application. They can be made flexible or rigid, transparent or opaque even colored
as well as fast or slow setting. Epoxy adhesives are good heat and chemical resistant. Because of
these properties, they are given the name of engineering adhesives.

Key Points
Atoms of different elements react to attain noble gas configuration, which is
stable one.
Chemical bonds may be formed by complete transfer of electrons (ionic); mutual
sharing (covalent) or by donation from an atom(coordinate or dative covalent).
Metals have the tendency to lose electrons easily forming cations.
Non-metals have tendency to gain electrons and form anions.
In ionic bonding strong electrostatic force hold ions together.
Ionic compounds are solids with high melting and boiling points.
Covalent bonds among non-metals are weaker than ionic bonds.
Ionic bonds are non-directional, but covalent bonds are formed in a particular
direction.
Covalent bonds formed between similar atoms are non-polar while between
different atoms are polar.
In covalent bonding single, double or triple covalent bond is formed by sharing of
one, two or three electron pairs by the bonded atoms.
Coordinate covalent bond is formed between electron pair donors and electron
pair acceptors.
Metallic bond is formed between metal atoms due to free electrons.
In addition to chemical bonds, intermolecular forces of attraction exist between
polar molecules.
Hydrogen bonding exists between the hydrogen atom of one molecule and highly
electronegative atom of other molecule.
Hydrogen bonds affect the physical properties of the compounds.
Chemistry - IX 72 Unit 4: Structure of Molecules

Properties of the compounds depend upon the nature of bonding present in the
compound.
Ionic compounds are crystalline solid with high melting and boiling points.
Covalent compounds exist in molecular form in three physical states.
Polar and non- polar covalent compounds have different properties.
Metals have shining surface. They are good conductor of electricity and are
malleable and ductile

EXERCISE
Multiple Choice Questions
Put a ( ) on the correct answer
1. Atoms react with each other because:
(a) they are attracted to each other. (b) they are short of electrons
(c) they want to attain stability (d) they want to disperse
2. An atom having six electrons in its valence shell will achieve noble gas
electronic configuration by:
(a) gaining one electron (b) losing all electrons
(c) gaining two electrons (d) losing two electrons
3. Considering the electronic configuration of atoms which atom with
the given atomic number will be the most stable one?
(a) 6 (b) 8 (c) 10 (d) 12
4. Octet rule is:
(a) description of eight electrons
(b) picture of electronic configuration
(c) pattern of electronic configuration
(d) attaining of eight electrons
5. Transfer of electrons between atoms results in:
(a) metallic bonding (b) ionic bonding
(c) covalent bonding (d) coordinate covalent bonding
6. When an electronegative element combines with an electropositive
element the type of bonding is:
(a) covalent (b) ionic
(c) polar covalent (d) coordinate covalent
7. A bond formed between two non-metals is expected to be:
(a) covalent (b) ionic
(c) coordinate covalent (d) metallic
8. A bond pair in covalent molecules usually has:
(a) one electron (b) two electrons
(c) three electrons (d) four electrons
Chemistry - IX 73 Unit 4: Structure of Molecules

9. Which of the following compounds is not directional in its bonding?

(a) CH4(b) Kbr (c) CO2 (d). H2O
10. Ice floats on water because:
(a) ice is denser than water (b) ice is crystalline in nature
(c) water is denser than ice (d) water molecules move randomly
11. Covalent bond involves the
(a) donation of electrons (b) acceptance of electrons
(c) sharing of electrons (d) repulsion of electrons
12. How many covalent bonds does C2H2 molecule have?
(a) two (b) three (c) four (d) five
13. Triple covalent bond involves how many electrons?
(a) eight (b) six (c) four (d) only three
14. Which pair of the molecules has same type of covalent bonds?
(a) O2 and HC1 (b) O2 and N2
(c) O2 and C2H4 (d) O2 and C2H2
15. Identify the compound which is not soluble in water.
(a) C6H6 (b)NaCl (c) KBr (d) MgCl2
16. Which one of the following is an electron deficient molecule?
(a) NH3 (b)BF3 (c) N2 (d) O2
17. Identify which pair has polar covalent bonds.
(a) O2 and Cl2 (b) H2O and N2
(c) H2O and 2H2 (d) H2O and Hc1
18. Which one of the following is the weakest force among the atoms?
(a) ionic force (b) metallic force
(c) intermolecular force (d) covalent force

Short answer questions.

1. Why do atoms react?

2. Why is the bond between an electropositive and an electronegative atom ionic in
nature?
3. Ionic compounds are solids. Justify.
4. More electronegative elements can form bonds between themselves. Justify.
5. Metals are good conductor of electricity. Why?
6. Ionic compounds conduct electricity in solution or molten form. Why?
7. What type of covalent bond is formed in nitrogen molecule.
8. Differentiate between lone pair and bond pair of electrons.
Chemistry - IX 74 Unit 4: Structure of Molecules

9. Describe at least two necessary conditions for the formation of a covalent

bond.
10. Why HC1 has dipole-dipole forces of attraction?
11. What is a triple covalent bond, explain with an example?
12. What is difference between polar and non-polar covalent bonds, explain
with one example of each?
13. Why a covalent bond becomes polar?
14. What is relationship between electronegativity and polarity?
15. Why does ice float on water?
16. Give the characteristic properties of ionic compounds.
17. What characteristic properties do the covalent compound have?

Short answer questions.

1. What is an ionic bond? Discuss the formation of ionic bond between sodium
and chlorine atoms?
2. How can you justify that bond strength in polar covalent compounds is
comparable to that of ionic compound?
3. What type of covalent bonds are formed between hydrogen, oxygen and
nitrogen? Explain their bonding with dot and cross model.
4. How a covalent bond develops ionic character in it? Explain.
5. Explain the types of covalent bonds with at least one example of each type.
6. How a coordinate covalent bond is formed? Explain with examples?
7. What is metallic bond? Explain the metallic bonding with the help of a
diagram.
8. Define hydrogen bonding. Explain that how these forces affect the physical
properties of compounds.
9. What are intermolecular forces? Compare these forces with chemical bond
forces with reference to HC1 molecule?
10. What is a chemical bond and why do atoms form a chemical bond?
11. What is octet rule? Why do atoms always struggle to attain the nearest noble
gas electronic configuration?