To determine whether a compound is ionic or covalent, we need to consider the types of elements involved and their electronegativity differences. Generally, ionic bonds form between metals and nonmetals, while covalent bonds typically form between nonmetals.
- N2: This compound is covalent. It consists of two nitrogen atoms sharing a pair of electrons, which is characteristic of a covalent bond.
- CCl4: Carbon tetrachloride is also covalent. It is formed by the sharing of electrons between carbon and four chlorine atoms, characteristic of covalent compounds.
- SiO2: Silicon dioxide is covalent. The silicon and oxygen atoms share electrons to form a network of covalent bonds, characteristic of many nonmetal compounds.
- AlCl3: Aluminum chloride can exhibit both ionic and covalent character. While it is formed from aluminum, a metal, and chlorine, a nonmetal, its structure can allow for some covalent character due to the bonding nature at certain conditions.
- CaCl2: Calcium chloride is ionic. It forms from calcium (a metal) and chlorine (a nonmetal), where calcium donates electrons to chlorine, creating an ionic bond.
- LiBr: Lithium bromide is ionic as well. Lithium, another metal, and bromine, a nonmetal, form an ionic bond similar to calcium chloride.
In summary:
- Covalent Compounds: N2, CCl4, SiO2
- Ionic Compounds: CaCl2, LiBr
- AlCl3 shows mixed character but can primarily be considered ionic.