Covalent bonds are fundamental chemical links formed when atoms share electrons to create molecules. Understanding these bonds is key to comprehending the structure and properties of countless substances around us. Here are ten common examples of molecules formed through covalent bonding, illustrating how different combinations of nonmetal atoms share electrons.
Examples of Covalently Bonded Molecules
Below is a list of ten examples of substances where atoms are held together by covalent bonds:
- Water (H₂O): A crucial molecule where two hydrogen atoms share electrons with one oxygen atom.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Each oxygen atom shares electrons with the central carbon atom.
- Ammonia (NH₃): The nitrogen atom forms covalent bonds by sharing electrons with three hydrogen atoms.
- Ozone (O₃): Consists of three oxygen atoms covalently bonded together.
- Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆): A sugar molecule featuring extensive covalent bonding between carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms.
- Carbon Monoxide (CO): A molecule where one carbon atom and one oxygen atom share electrons.
- Methane (CH₄): The carbon atom forms covalent bonds with four hydrogen atoms.
- Phosphorus Trichloride (PCl₃): A phosphorus atom shares electrons with three chlorine atoms.
- Fructose (C₆H₁₂O₆): An isomer of glucose, also a sugar with numerous covalent bonds.
- Chlorine Gas (Cl₂): Two chlorine atoms share electrons to form a diatomic molecule.
These examples showcase the diversity of molecules that arise from covalent bonding, ranging from simple diatomic gases to complex organic compounds like sugars.
