Is magnesium oxide a covalent compound?

1 Answer
Simon Moore
Feb 1, 2017

No, its ionic.

Explanation:

It exists as a FCC lattice of #Mg^(2+)# and #O^(2-)# ions.
Given the large difference in electronegativity between a metal like magnesium and oxygen, there is no sharing of electrons. Instead two valence electrons from magnesium transfer to the oxygen atom, allowing both to form complete valance shells.

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