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Module 3: CHEMICAL BONDING

Overview:
Sharing or full transfer means that the atom has achieved equilibrium. Either
the sharing or the complete transfer of electrons can contribute to the formation of
compounds.

As we go through this module will make you understand what is happening in

the atoms during the formation of compounds. Look at the periodic table. Did you
notice the vertical arrangement of the elements? This is called family or group.
Notice the number in each group? Do you know what information it gives you? It tells
about the number of valence electrons. Do you still remember the meaning of
valence electrons? Valence electrons give you the number of electrons to become
stable. Why do we need to talk about the transfer or the sharing of electrons? You
will discover the answer to question as you study this module.

When different elements (different types of atom) react and combine to form a
compound (new substance) chemical bonds must be formed to keep the atoms
together. Once these atoms are joined together it’s usually difficult to separate them.

The atoms can join together by sharing electrons in what is known as a covalent
bond, or they can transfer or accept electrons to form positive and negative ions and
form an ionic bond.

The following objectives will help you focus as you study about this module.

General Objectives:

 Explain the formation of ionic and covalent compounds

 Recognize different types of compounds (ionic or covalent) based on their
properties such as melting point, hardness, polarity and electrical and
thermal conductivity.
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In this module, the students will be able to:

 Identify the properties of chemical bonds

 Predict the names and chemical formula of ionic and
covalent bonds
 Identify the types of molecular interactions
 Recognize the effects of intermolecular forces
 Draw the Lewis structure and predict the molecular
geometry of compounds

The valence electrons are the electrons directly involve in forming bonds to
form compounds. It is important that you know the number of valence electrons so
that you can illustrate how bonds are formed. It is good that you have found out that
metals have low electronegativity and non-metals have high electronegativity
because this property plays an important role in forming compounds. Do you know
what electronegativity mean?

Electronegativity is a measure of the tendency of an atom to electron attracts,

the higher its value, the higher its tendency to attract electron. How about

Ionization energy? Did you know that ionization energy is the energy needed
to pull or remove one or more electron/s from a neutral atom? The lower the
ionization energy the easier it is to remove its valence electrons.

You can also show the number of valence electrons through the Lewis
Symbol.

This symbol is composed of chemical symbol of element and dots that represent the
number of valence electrons.

So far, we’ve studied atoms and compounds and how they react with each
other. Now let’s take a look at how these atoms and molecules hold
together. Bonds hold atoms and molecules of substances together. There are
several different kinds of bonds; the type of bond seen in elements and compounds
depends on the chemical properties as well as the attractive forces governing the
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atoms and molecules. The three types of chemical bonds are Ionic bonds, Covalent
bonds, and Polar covalent bonds. Chemists also recognize hydrogen bonds as a
fourth form of chemical bond, though their properties align closely with the other
types of bonds.

In order to understand bonds, you must first be familiar with electron

properties, including valence shell electrons. The valence shell of an atom is the
outermost layer (shell) of an electron. Though today scientists generally agree that
electrons do not rotate around the nucleus, it was thought throughout history that
each electron orbited the nucleus of an atom in a separate layer (shell). Today,
scientists have concluded that electrons hover in specific areas of the atom and do
not form orbits; however, the valence shell is still used to describe electron
availability.

One can determine how many electrons an atom will have by looking at its
periodic properties. In order to determine an element’s periodic properties, you will
need to locate a periodic table. After you’ve found your periodic table, look at the
roman numerals above each column of the table. You should see that above
Hydrogen, there’s a IA, above Beryllium there’s a IIA, above Boron there’s a IIIA, and
so on all the way to Fluorine, which is VIIA. Also, note that the metals are all in group
B—their roman numerals have the letter B afterwards instead of the letter A. For
now, we are going to ignore the columns with a B, and focus on the columns with an
A (the non-metals, generally speaking). Once you have located the group-A
elements, we are going to count across, giving each column a number.

The first A-column is I (1), then counting across, 2-8 (skipping the B group,
which consists of metals). In the periodic table we labeled the 8th column as 0,
however when counting electrons, we’ll count it as 8. Now, we can determine how
many valence electrons each element has in its outermost shell. The elements in the
IA column have 1 valence electron. The elements in the IIA column have 2 bonding
electrons, and so on. By the time we get to the noble gases (the column labeled 0),
we are up to 8 bonding electrons. This means that these gases can stand on their
own, or donate electrons to another element, but they cannot accept any more
electrons. This is because the electrons they have satisfy the octet rule.
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Metals have low electronegativity and ionization energy, thus they tend to
transfer or loose electrons. Non-metals have high electronegativity and ionization
energy. They have a greater tendency to attract electrons towards themselves. Thus
non-metals tend to gain electrons.

Activity 1: Bonding by transfer of Electrons

Objectives: The students are expected to;

1. explain how ionic bonding takes place.

2. illustrate the sharing of electrons.

Materials:
Periodic Table of Elements

Bonding worksheet

Procedure:
1. Use your periodic table elements to determine the number of valence
electrons. You may refer to the group number where it belongs in filling up the
table below.

Bonding Worksheet #1: Drawing Ionic Bonds

Remember: Ionic bonds form between POSITIVE IONS and NEGATIVE
IONS. Ionic bonding is when one of the atoms is donating an electron(s) (the cation)
and one of atoms is accepting an electron(s) (the anion). The electrons are not
shared, the anion gains an electron(s) to achieve a full valence and the cation loses
an electron(s) to achieve a full valence.
Diagram the ionic bonding process from neutral atoms to ions showing the
valence electrons and indicating with arrows the direction in which the electrons are
going. Write your final answer in the box.
1. rubidium oxide (Rb2O) 5. potassium fluoride
(KF)
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2. aluminum chloride 6. calcium chloride

(CaCl2)

3. magnesium chloride (MgCl 2) 7. barium oxide (BaO)

(AlCl3)

4. sodium oxide(Na2O) 8. sodium chloride

(NaCl)

Guide Questions:
1. What kind of element forms cation after ionic bonding?

2. How do ions form after ionic bonding?

3. Did the atoms attain stability after ionic bonding? Explain your answer.

4. Will all combinations of metals and non-metals form ionic bond? Why?

Key Concepts:
Ionic bonds form when two atoms have a large difference in electronegativity.
(Electronegativity is the quantitative representation of an atom’s ability to attract an
electron to it). Although scientists do not have an exact value to signal an ionic bond,
the amount is generally accepted as 1.7 and over to qualify a bond as ionic. Ionic
bonds often occur between metals and salts; chloride is often the bonding salt.
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Compounds displaying ionic bonds form ionic crystals in which ions of positive and
negative charges hover near each other, but there is not always a direct 1-1
correlation between positive and negative ions. Ionic bonds can typically be broken
through hydrogenation or the addition of water to a compound.

There are two types of covalent bond, the polar covalent bond and the polar
covalent bond. If the electronegativity difference is equal to 0.4 or less it results to
nonpolar covalent bond. If the electronegativity difference is less than 1.9 and more
than 0.4, polar covalent bond is formed.

Take note of the Octet rule in considering the number of bonds that will be
formed between atoms. These steps will help you figure out if sharing will take place.

a. Get the total number of available electrons in a compound.

For CO2 carbon atom has 4 valence electrons

Oxygen atom has 6 valence electrons.

Total number of available electrons = ( 1 C atom X 4) + ( 2 O atoms X 6)

= 4 + 12

= 16

b. Compute for the Octet Rule requirement that each atom should have 8
valence electrons to become stable.

Number of electrons based on Octet Rule = (1 C atom X 8) + (2 O atoms X

8)

= 8 + 16 = 24

c. Subtract a from b, then divide the difference by 2 because a pair of shared

electron is equal to 1 bond. The quotient will give you the number of bonds
around the central atom.

Number of bonds = ( 24 – 16 )

2 =4

Thus, there will be 4 bonds surrounding carbon atom as shown in the Lewis
structure:
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Activity 2: Bonding by Sharing of Electrons

Objectives: At the end of the activity, the students are expected to;
1. explain how covalent bonding takes place.
2. illustrate the sharing of electrons.
Materials:
Periodic Table of Elements
Bonding worksheet

Procedure:
1. Study the table below that shows information about how covalent bonding
works.
2. Show how the sharing of electrons form covalent bond in the following
compounds.
Bonding Worksheet #2: Drawing Single Covalent Bonds
Background info:
When atoms of nonmetals bond to each other they share valence electrons
and form a covalent bond. When atoms bond they usually have to rearrange their
electrons from the positions we pictured in the single atom. The goal is for every
atom to have eight electrons around it except for hydrogen which has only two
electrons.

Hydrogen only forms one single bond; other atoms can form up to four single
bonds.
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When you draw a dot diagram for a molecule you start with the atom that is

only in the formula once—it will be in the center of the molecule with the other atoms
arranged around it. If there are only two atoms it doesn’t matter where you start.
Draw Lewis dot diagrams for the following molecules.
HINT: Carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur are usually the central atom(s) (in the center)
surrounded by terminal atoms (surrounding central). Carbon is always a central and
hydrogen is always a terminal. When in doubt, put the any single atom in the middle,
surrounding it with the element that contains more than one atom.
1. Dihydrogen monosulfide (H2O)

2. carbon tetrabromide (CBr4)

3. phosphorustriodide (PI3)
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4. dihydrogen monoselenide (H2Se)

5. a) hydrogen (H2) b)
water (H2O)

c) bromine (Br2) d) iron (II) oxide (FeO)

e) methane (CH4) f) ammonia (NH3)

g) carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4)

h) phosphorus tribromide
(PBr3)

Guide Questions:
1. How do covalent bonds form between atoms?
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2. What kind of elements usually forms covalent bond? Is it possible for metals
and non-metals to form non-polar covalent? Why? How about polar covalent
bond? Why?
3. Why is it diatomic molecules always form nonpolar covalent bond?
4. Differentiate polar covalent bond from nonpolar covalent bond.

Key concepts:
A covalent bond is formed between nonmetal atoms. The nonmetals are
connected by a shared pair of valence electrons. Remember, nonmetals want to
gain valence electrons to reach a stable arrangement. If there are no metal atoms
around to give them electrons, nonmetal atoms share their valence electrons with
other nonmetal atoms. Since the two atoms are using the same electrons they are
stuck to each other in a neutral particle called a molecule. A molecule is a neutral
particle of two or more atoms bonded to each other. Molecules may contain atoms
of the same element such as N2, O2, and Cl2 or they may contain atoms of different
elements like H2O, NH3, or C6H12O6. Therefore, covalent bonding is found in
nonmetallic elements and in nonmetallic compounds.

Covalent bonds are intermolecular forces; that is, they are inside the
molecule and hold the atoms together to make the molecule. Covalent bonds are
strong bonds and it is difficult and requires a lot of energy to break a molecule apart
into its atoms. However, since molecules are neutral one molecule does not have a
strong electrical attraction for another molecule. The attractions between molecules
are called intermolecular forces and these are weak forces.

Covalent substances have low melting points and boiling points compared to
ionic compounds or metals. At room temperature, covalent substances are gases,
liquids or low melting point solids. They do not conduct electricity as solids or when
molten and usually do not conduct when dissolved in water.

There are many types of covalent bonds. A single covalent bond is when two
atoms share one pair of valence electrons (see figure). A double covalent bond is
when two atoms share two pairs of valence electrons. A triple covalent bond is when
two atoms share three pairs of valence electrons.
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Glossary:
Bonds - hold atoms and molecules of substances together.

Ionic Bonding – form between non-metals and metals.

Covalent Bonding - often form between similar atoms, nonmetal to nonmetal or

metal to metal.

Polar covalent bonds- fall between ionic and covalent bonds. They result when
two elements bond with a moderate difference in electronegativity moderately to
greatly, but they do not surpass 1.7 in electronegativity difference.

Hydrogen bonds- only form between hydrogen and oxygen (O), nitrogen (N) or
fluorine (F).

Lone pairs of electrons are non-bonding electrons that sit in twos (pairs) on the
central atom of the compound.

Octet rule - states that elements gain or lose electrons to attain an electron
configuration of the nearest noble gas.

Summary:

Bonds hold atoms and molecules of substances together.

There are several different kinds of bonds; the type of bond seen in elements
and compounds depends on the chemical properties as well as the attractive forces
governing the atoms and molecules.

The three types of chemical bonds are Ionic bonds, Covalent bonds, and
Polar covalent bonds. Chemists also recognize hydrogen bonds as a fourth form of
chemical bond, though their properties align closely with the other types of bonds.

Ionic bonds form when two atoms have a large difference

in electronegativity. (Electronegativity is the quantitative representation of an
atom’s ability to attract an electron to itself). Although scientists do not have an exact
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value to signal an ionic bond, the amount is generally accepted as 1.7 and over to
qualify a bond as ionic. Ionic bonds often occur between metals and salts; chloride is
often the bonding salt.

Covalent bonds form when two atoms have a very small (nearly insignificant)
difference in electronegativity. The value of difference in electronegativity between
two atoms in a covalent bond is less than 1.7. Covalent bonds often form between
similar atoms, nonmetal to nonmetal or metal to metal. Covalent bonding signals a
complete sharing of electrons. Covalent bonds are usually strong because of this
direct bonding.

The octet rule is followed by most elements, and it says that to be stable, an
atom needs to have eight electrons in its outermost shell. Elements that do not follow
the octet rule are H, He, B, Li and Be (sometimes). Lithium gives up an electron
whereas the other elements listed here gain one.

Noble gases have complete outer electron shells, which make them very
stable. Other elements also seek stability, which governs their reactivity and bonding
behavior. Halogens are one electron away from filled energy levels, so they are very
reactive. Chlorine, for example, has seven electrons in its outer electron shell.
Chlorine readily bonds with other elements so that it can have a filled energy level,
like argon. +328.8 kJ per mole of chlorine atoms are released when chlorine
acquires a single electron.

Lewis electron dot diagrams may be drawn to help account for the electrons
participating in a chemical bond between elements. A Lewis diagram counts the
valence electrons. Electrons shared in a covalent bond are counted twice. For the
octet rule, there should be eight electrons accounted for around each atom.
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ASSESSMENT/ENRICHMENT:
Answer the following correctly.

1. The bond formed when Mg combines with O 2 is _____.

a. ionic b. covalent c. metallic d. non-metals

2. How is the bond in F2 different from the bond in KCl?

a. F2 is covalent and KCl is ionic c. F2 is ionic and KCl is ionic

b. F2 is ionic and KCl is covalent d. Both F 2 and KCl are covalent

3. N has 5 valence electrons and it is diatomic. How many covalent bonds are
there in a N2 molecule?

a. single b. double c. triple d. branched

4. In an ionic bond, electrons are _________ or _______.

a. lost or gained b. shared c. both a and b d. none of the above

5. When a Na atom, loses one electron, it gets a charge of _______.

a. -1 b. +1 c. 0 d. 2

6. Covalent bond is formed between atoms of ________.

a. metals b. non-metals c. both a and b d. metalloids

7. Oxygen has 6 valence electrons and it is diatomic. How many covalent bonds
are there in an O2 molecule?

a. single b. double c. triple d. branched

8. When a Cl atom gains an electron, it gets a charge of ________.

a. -1 b. +1 c. 0 d. 2

9. From the list of elements given, select 2 elements that would likely form an ionic
bond. K, C, Br, Ar.

a. K, Br b. Ar, C c. K, Ar d. C, Br

10. Metals tend to _______ electrons to become _____ ions.

a. lose, positive b. gain, negative c. lose, neutral d. none of the
above
11. Non-metals tend to _______ electrons to become ________ ions.
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a. lose, positive b. gain, negative c. lose, neutral d. none of the above

12. Magnesium Bromide is a (an) ________ compound.

a. metallic b. covalent c. ionic d. metalloids

13. An atom that has lost or gained electrons becomes a (an) _______.

a. proton b. electron c. ion d. neutron

14. Hydrogen Fluoride has a (an) ________ bond and its chemical formula is
________.
a. covalent, HF b. ionic, HF t c. covalent, H 2F d. none of the above

15. The process of becoming an ion from an atom is called as ________.

a. ionization b. electrolysis c. electron affinity d. oxidation
16. Charged atoms are called as _____.
a. proton b. electron c. ion d. neutron

17. In a covalent bond, electrons are _______.

a. lost or gained b. shared c. ion d. both a and c

18. Calcium Oxide is a (an) _____ compound and the formula for Calcium Oxide is
________.
a. covalent, CaO2 b. ionic, CaO c. ionic, CaO2 d. covalent, CaO

19. Write the chemical formula for a compound that has one Calcium atom and 2
Chlorine atoms. Predict the bond between them.
a. CaCl2, ionic b. CaCl 2, covalent c. Ca2Cl, ionic d. Ca2Cl, covalent

20. The chemical formula of the product formed from the reaction between Mg and
O2 is _______.
a. MgO2 b. MgO c. Mg2O d. Mg2O2
21. Which hydrocarbon compound has a double bond in the molecule?
a. Ethane b. propene c. propyne d. methane
22. Paul wants to preserve a fish for her project in Biology class. What kind of
compound should she use to preserve the animal?
a. Formaldehyde b. acetic acid c. methyl alcohol d. acetone
23. Sandara wants to change her nail polish because it does not look good with
her new dress. What must she use to remove her fingers’ old nail polish?
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a. Lubricating oil b. acetic acid c. acetone d. formaldehyde

24. How many types of bonds are there in the following hydrocarbon compound?
a. 1 b. 3 c. 2 d.4
25. Which molecule has a double bond?
a. HF b. PCl3 c. CCl4 d. CH2O

References:
Ma. Cristina Padolina, Ph.D., et al. (2004).Conceptual and Functional
Chemistry modular approach. Vibal Publishing House Inc.
Moore, J.; Stanitski, C. & Jurs, P. (2017). General Chemistry 1. JO-ES
Publishing house, Inc.
Nacum, Z. (2017). General Chemistry 1 for Senior High School. C&E
Publishing, Inc.