Before entering fully into the definition of covalent union, it is necessary that we proceed to know the etymological origin of the two words that shape it:
-Union is a term that derives from Latin, specifically "unus", which can be translated as "one."
-Covalente, on the other hand, also comes from the aforementioned Latin. In its case, it is the result of the sum of three components of it: the prefix "con-", which is equivalent to "together"; the verb "valere", which can be translated as "worth"; and the suffix "-nte", which is used to indicate the agent.
A Union It is a link between two or more elements. Covalent , for its part, is a concept that is used in the field of chemistry to refer to the link which atoms form when they share pairs of electrons.
The concept of covalent bonding , therefore, refers to a type of link that establish the atoms . It is important to keep in mind that atoms are composed of electrons , neutrons and protons . The electrons, which have a negative charge, orbit around the atomic nucleus.
There are many examples that are used to explain what a union or covalent bond is and where it can be found. Thus, for example, among the most common is the one that is committed to making chlorine gas a protagonist. And it is that this is made up of Cl2 molecules in which the two chlorine atoms are joined by the said covalent bond.
Is called Chemical bond to force which makes atoms stay together. There are different kinds of bonds or unions: the covalent union is the one that arises when atoms share peer electrons .
By joining, atoms can share , to accept or give electrons . Those that electrons that are located in the last atomic layer, called valence electrons , are the ones that can be shared.
According to octet rule Atoms tend to complete with eight valence electrons to reach the stability . To access this number is that the atoms yield, accept or, in the case of covalent union, share atoms.
The non metallic atoms They are the protagonists of covalent unions. The valence electrons, in this case, are shared by two atoms: that is, they are part of more than one atom. The link can be triple, double or simple depending on the case.
The covalent union, in this way, differs from the ionic junction , where electrons are transferred from one atom to another.
With regard to the so-called covalent bonds, it should be stressed that there is a fundamental basis that is necessary to know about it. We are referring to the so-called Lewis Theory or Structure, which establishes the following principles or maxims of the mentioned link:
-The central atom is chosen which, as a rule, is usually the least electronegative.
-The electrons of Valencia are counted.
-The links between the central atom and the peripherals are formed.
-The remaining electrons are placed as solitary pairs to complete what are the mentioned octets.
