Question

Why are covalent compound generally poor conductors of electricity ?

Answer 1

Due to the absence of delocalised electrons.

Explanation:

In order to conduct electricity, a compound must have free-flowing electrons, in which carries the electrical flow hence makes the compound conductible.

Covalent compounds are formed on the basis of sharing electrons. When the electrons are shared within the bonds, there is no electrons available to conduct electricity - hence why covalent compounds are generally poor conductors of electricity.

However, graphite is a very good conductor of electricity due to the mobility of the electrons in its outer valence shells. It is the only non metal compound that can conduct electricity.