Covalent structures and bonding
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What are directional and nondirectional forces ? Ionic aren't directional whereas covalent bonds are? Why?
Igloo writes ...
Directional forces are ones which, as the name implies, act in a particular direction. Most covalent bonds have a definite length and direction. That is why it is possible to define bond angles.
Electron-pair-repulsion theory helps to predict the shapes of molecules but it does not really provide explanations - for that you need molecular orbital theory.
Bonding is not directional if all the shared electrons are delocalised. metallic bond is not directions which is why it is possible to bend and stretch metals without them breaking.
Attractions which are purely electrostatic are not directional. A positive charge attracts a negative charge wherever it is to be found. This means that ionic bonding and most forms of weak intermolecular forces are not directional.
Hydrogen bonding, however, is highly directional.
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updated: 15 August 2003
