1.8 Bonding continuum

Bonding Continuum

determining the type of bond that forms between atoms, compare their electronegativity values.

Electronegativity

An indicator of the relative ability of an atom to attract shared electrons.

Bond Type

Determined by calculating the electronegativity difference (ΔEN) between two atoms.

ΔEN < 0.4

Non-polar covalent (pure covalent) bond.

0.4 ≤ ΔEN ≤ 1.7

Polar covalent bond.

ΔEN > 1.7

Mostly ionic bond.

bond type equation

^EN = |EN₁ - EN₂|