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covalent compound

chemical compound

Quick Summary

A covalent compound is a chemical compound where atoms are linked by covalent bonds. In these bonds, atoms share electron pairs rather than transferring them. This sharing allows each atom to achieve a more stable electron configuration, typically by completing its outer shell, which lowers the overall energy of the compound.1

Covalent bonds generally form between nonmetal elements. A key characteristic of covalent compounds is that they do not form ions when dissolved in water, meaning their solutions do not conduct electricity. Organic compounds, which form the basis of life, are a major class of covalent compounds, defined by the presence of carbon atoms covalently bonded to other elements like hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.123

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