Question

Covalent bonds possess some ionic character also, explain why?

Answer 1

The bond formed between any two atoms is not a purely ionic bond. All bonding interactions have some covalent character because the electron density remains shared between the atoms. ... Bonds that fall in between the two extremes, having both ionic and covalent character, are classified as polar covalent bonds.

Answer 2

When two number of atoms with different electro-negativities combine to form a bond of covalent type, the electron density between atoms is shared to the more electronegative atom.

This results in partial negative charge on the electronegative atom while the less electronegative atom receives a partial positive charge.

These two charges are indicated by the ${ \delta }^{ + }\quad and\quad { \delta}^{ - }$.

If two electric poles develop in hetero-atomic molecules due to electronegativity difference. The covalent molecule is called a dipole with the two opposite poles. The dipole in hydrogen chloride is represented is as follows.

${ H }^{ \delta + }\quad -\quad { Cl }^{ \delta - }$

Therefore, this type of bond is called polar covalent bond.