Covalent Substances: Two Kinds

Substances with covalent bonds have either simple or giant structures.

SIMPLE MOLECULAR SUBSTANCES

• small molecules, very strong bonds
• weak forces of attraction between molecules
• weak intermolecular attraction because low boiling and melting points  but this only breaks the attraction between molecules, not between atoms (covalent bonds)
• most are gases or liquids at room temp.
• dont conduct electricity - no ions, no electric current.

GIANT COVALENT STRUCTURES ARE MACROMOLECULES

• similar to giant ionic…