Difference between Ionic Bonds and Covalent Bonds

Let me share with you a difference between Ionic Bonds and Covalent Bonds.

Aspect	Ionic Bonds	Covalent Bonds
Introduction	A bond formed by the transfer of electrons from one atom to another.	A bond formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms.
Type of atoms	Typically involves a metal and a non-metal.	Typically involves two non-metals.
Electron transfer	Electrons are transferred from the metal to the non-metal.	Electrons are shared between the atoms.
Electronegativity difference	Large electronegativity difference between atoms (usually > 1.7).	Small or no electronegativity difference
Bond polarity	Results in a polar bond due to the unequal sharing of electrons.	Can be polar or nonpolar, depending on the electronegativity of the atoms involved.
Physical state	Often found in the solid state at room temperature.	Can be found in various states (solid, liquid, gas) at room temperature.
Melting and boiling points	High melting and boiling points.	Lower melting and boiling points
Solubility in water	Typically soluble in water.	Some are soluble, while others are not.
Conductivity	Conducts electricity when molten or dissolved in water.	Does not conduct electricity
Structure	Forms a crystal lattice structure in the solid state.	Forms discrete molecules or networks in the solid state.
Melting and boiling behavior	Often exhibits a sharp melting point and boiling point.	May have a range of melting and boiling points.
Examples	· NaCl · MgO	· H₂O · CH₄ · O₂