Question

Taking MgCI₂ as an electrovalent compound, CCI₄ as a covalent compound, give four differences between electrovalent and covalent compounds.

Answer 1

Electrovalent Compounds	Covalent compounds
They are made up of ions; Mg2+ and Cl-	They are made up of molecules; 1carbon and 4 chlorine atoms form a molecule of CCl4.
They are made up of ions; Mg2+ and Cl-	They are generally gases or liquids under ordinary conditions; CCl4 is a liquid.
They have high m.p. and b.p.	Their m.p. and b.p. are low.
They are easily soluble in water but insoluble in organic solvents, such as benzene, chloroform, etc.	They are insoluble in water but are usually soluble in organic solvents, such as benzene, chloroform, etc.

Answer 2

MgCl2 - Electrovalent compound	CCl4 - Covalent compound
They are hard crystalline solids consisting of ions.	These are gases or liquids or soft solids.
They have high melting and boiling points.	They have low melting and boiling points.
They conduct electricity in the fused or aqueous state.	They do not conduct electricity in the solid, molten or aqueous state.
These are soluble in inorganic solvents but insoluble in organic solvents.	These are insoluble in water but dissolve in organic solvents.