Question

Discuss the three types of Covalent hydrides.

Answer 1

1. They are the compounds in which hydrogen is attached to another element by sharing of electrons.

2. The most common examples of covalent hydrides are methane, ammonia, water and hydrogen chloride.

3. Molecular hydrides of hydrogen are further classified into three categories,

• Electron precise (CH₄, C₂ H₆, SiH₄, GeH₄)
• Electron-deficient (B₂ H₆) and
• Electron-rich hydrides (NH₃, H₂O)

4. Since most of the covalent hydrides consist of discrete, small molecules that have relatively weak intermolecular forces, they are generally gases or volatile liquids.