Which of the following are ionic or covalent: 1. Lauric Acid, 2. Magnesium Sulfate, 3. Phenyl Salicylate, 4. Ammonium Chloride, 5. Sodium Chloride?

Let’s break down each compound to determine whether it is ionic or covalent:

1. Lauric Acid: Lauric acid is a covalent compound. It is a fatty acid with the formula C₁₂H₂₄O₂. The bonds between carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms are covalent, as they share electrons to form stable molecules.
2. Magnesium Sulfate: Magnesium sulfate is an ionic compound. It consists of magnesium ions (Mg²⁺) and sulfate ions (SO₄^2-). The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions forms an ionic bond.
3. Phenyl Salicylate: Phenyl salicylate is a covalent compound. It is an ester formed from salicylic acid and phenol. The bonds within the molecule are covalent, involving the sharing of electrons between carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms.
4. Ammonium Chloride: Ammonium chloride is an ionic compound. It is composed of ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) and chloride ions (Cl^–). The ionic bond is formed due to the attraction between the positively charged ammonium ion and the negatively charged chloride ion.
5. Sodium Chloride: Sodium chloride is an ionic compound. It is made up of sodium ions (Na⁺) and chloride ions (Cl^–). The ionic bond is formed by the electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions.

In summary, lauric acid and phenyl salicylate are covalent compounds, while magnesium sulfate, ammonium chloride, and sodium chloride are ionic compounds.