IB Chemistry Structure 2 2.2 The Covalent Model
2.2

The Covalent Model

The language of organic and inorganic chemistry — from dot-and-cross to 3D architecture.

SL & HL Core

2.2.1 Covalent Bond & Lewis Formulas

Electrostatic attraction, octet rule, drawing Lewis structures.

2.2.2 Multiple Bonds

Bond number vs length vs strength relationship.

2.2.3 Coordination Bonds

Dative covalent bonds — NH₄⁺ and CO examples.

2.2.4 VSEPR Model

Predicting molecular geometry from electron domains.

2.2.5 Bond Polarity

Electronegativity difference and partial charges.

2.2.6 Molecular Polarity

Dipole moments and symmetry cancellation.

2.2.7 Giant Covalent Structures

Diamond, graphite, silicon dioxide, graphene.

2.2.8 Intermolecular Forces

London dispersion, dipole-dipole, hydrogen bonding.

2.2.9 Physical Properties

Linking IMFs to boiling points, solubility, viscosity.

2.2.10 Chromatography

Separation by polarity — Rf values and applications.

HL Extensions

2.2.11 Resonance

Delocalization, resonance structures, average bond order.

2.2.12 Benzene

Kekulé vs delocalized model, evidence, stability.

2.2.13 Expanded Octet & Hybridization

d-orbital participation, 5 & 6 electron domains.

2.2.14 Formal Charge

Selecting the best Lewis structure.

2.2.15 Sigma & Pi Bonds

Orbital overlap — head-on vs lateral.

2.2.16 Hybridization

sp, sp², sp³ — predicting from structure.

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