What defines a covalent bond?

A covalent bond is defined as a bond formed by the sharing of electron pairs between atoms. This type of bonding typically occurs between nonmetal atoms, which have similar electronegativities, allowing them to share electrons more equally. When atoms share one or more pairs of electrons, they achieve a more stable electron configuration, similar to that of noble gases. This sharing can lead to the formation of single bonds (one pair of shared electrons), double bonds (two pairs), or triple bonds (three pairs), depending on how many electron pairs are involved.

Understanding this concept is crucial because it highlights the nature of molecular compounds, which are characterized by covalent bonds and have distinct properties compared to ionic compounds, which are held together by the transfer of electrons and the resultant electrostatic attraction between charged ions. By recognizing the importance of electron sharing in covalent bonding, one can better grasp the behavior and interactions of various molecular substances in chemical reactions and materials science.