Covalent vs Noncovalent Bonds

Covalent bonds

• Electrons are shared between atoms.
• Polar covalent bonds create a dipole moment (polarity enables interactions).

Noncovalent / Intermolecular interactions

• Second category of bonds; attractions can be between different molecules or within the same molecule.
• Not based on electron sharing; depend on polarity and partial charges.
• Examples:
  • Dipole-dipole interactions
  • Hydrogen bonds
  • London dispersion (van der Waals) forces