Experimental validation of 'pnicogen bonding' in nitrogen by charge density analysis

Covalent bonds are formed between two atoms when both have similar tendencies to attract electrons to themselves (i.e., when both atoms have identical or fairly similar ionization energies and electron affinities). Nonmetal atoms frequently form covalent bonds with other nonmetal atoms. For example, the hydrogen molecule, H2, contains a covalent bond between its two hydrogen atoms. When two separate hydrogen atoms with a particular potential energy approach each other, their valence orbitals...

In some cases, there are seemingly more than one valid Lewis structures for molecules and polyatomic ions. The concept of formal charges can be used to help predict the most appropriate Lewis structure when more than one reasonable structure exists.

Many covalent molecules have central atoms that do not have eight electrons in their Lewis structures. These molecules fall into three categories:

Lewis symbols can be used to indicate the formation of covalent bonds, which are shown in Lewis structures—drawings that describe the bonding in molecules and polyatomic ions. The periodic table can be used to predict the number of valence electrons in an atom and the number of bonds that will be formed to reach an octet. Group 18 elements, such as argon and helium, have filled electron configurations and thus rarely participate in chemical bonding. However, atoms from group 17, such as...

Bond Polarity

Overview of Valence Bond Theory