Ionic compounds have the following physical properties:
- They are solid with high melting points.
- They are soluble in polar solvents (water). However, they have low solubility in nonpolar solvents.
- Molten and in aqueous solution they conduct electric current.
- They are obtained from elements with different electronegativity (metal and non-metal)
Covalent compounds have the following properties:
- Many covalent compounds are gases and liquids. Solids have relatively low melting points.
- They present an important solubility in apolar solvents (toluene, hexane, carbon tetrachloride). Presenting low solubility in polar solvents.
- They do not present electrical conductivity in liquid phase.
- They are made up of elements with similar electronegativities.