Ionic Compounds: Ionic compounds are formed when atoms transfer electrons, leading to the creation of charged ions. These compounds typically have high melting and boiling points due to the strong electrostatic forces between the ions. Ionic compounds are usually soluble in water and conduct electricity when dissolved or melted because the ions are free to move.
Nonpolar Covalent Compounds: Nonpolar covalent compounds occur when two atoms share electrons equally, resulting in a molecule without a significant charge difference. These compounds generally have lower melting and boiling points compared to ionic compounds. They are often insoluble in water but soluble in nonpolar solvents. Electrical conductivity in nonpolar covalent compounds is generally absent as they do not have charged particles that can move freely.
Polar Covalent Compounds: Polar covalent compounds form when electrons are shared unequally between atoms, resulting in a molecule with distinct positive and negative ends (dipoles). These compounds have intermediate melting and boiling points, typically higher than nonpolar covalent compounds but lower than ionic compounds. They tend to be soluble in water due to the polarity of the molecules, which allows them to interact with water molecules. Like nonpolar compounds, polar covalent compounds do not conduct electricity.
Covalent Solids: Covalent solids, also known as network solids, consist of atoms connected by covalent bonds in a continuous network. These solids have very high melting and boiling points due to the strong bonds throughout the structure. They are generally not soluble in water or nonpolar solvents and do not conduct electricity, as there are no charged particles available for conduction.