Covalent bonds are formed when atoms share electrons. These substances do not conduct electricity and do not dissociate into ions if they dissolve in water. The simplest covalent molecule is that formed between two atoms of hydrogen. A molecule of hydrogen consists of two atoms bonded together by a pair of electrons. This pair of electrons orbits the nuclei of both atoms so holding them together. This is the most common way in which non-metallic atoms are combined into molecules.

Covalent bonds involve a complete sharing of electrons and occurrs most commonly between atoms that have partially filled outer shells. Thus is the atoms are similar in negativity then the electrons will be shared. Carbon forms covalent bonds. The electrons are in hybrid orbitals formed by the atoms involved as in this example: ethane. Diamond is strong because it involves a vast network of covalent bonds between the carbon atoms in the diamond.

 

 

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Covalent bond energies and chemical reaction