Question

Is `CO_2` an ionic salt or covalent molecule?

Answer 1

A non-polar covalent molecule (with a polar covalent bond).

Explanation:

`CO_"2"` is made up of:
- 1 carbon atom,
- 2 oxygen atom.

Carbon and oxygen are non-metals, thus we know carbon dioxide is a covalent compound.

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Another method is by calculating the difference in electronegativity, we can determine the polarity of the molecule. Calculating the electronegativity also provides the intramolecular force within the compound.

Ionic compounds
- Ionic: `1.7+`

Covalent compounds
- Polar Covalent Bonds: `0.5->1.6`
- Non-polar Covalent Bonds: `0.0->0.4`

`DeltaEN= 3.5 - 2.5`
`=1.0`

`1` is between `0.5->1.7`, therefore, there is a polar covalent bond within the molecule. In addition, the molecule is a covalent compound.

`CO_"2"` is a polar covalent molecule... under normal circumstances.

Examining the geometric shape of the molecule, results in the linear shape - a symmetrical geometry. This results in the dipoles cancelling out, therefore the molecule becomes non-polar, despite its polar bond.

Therefore, `CO_"2"` is a covalent molecule, non-polar specifically, however, it has a polar covalent bond (intramolecular force).

Hope this helps :)