Metalloid compounds and metals that form covalent bonds?

[Bigbirdo]

Just two quick questions!

1. What compounds do metalloids form? Molecular or ionic?
2. Are there others metals like aluminum that form covalent bonds?

Thank you!

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[dentalstudentprospect2]

There's no real definite distinction between ionic and covalent bonds. We often make the oversimplification of saying ionic = metal + nonmetal and covalent = nonmetal + nonmetal. A more accurate way to see whether a compound is ionic or covalent is to look at the differences between the electronegativities of each species.

 

[Bigbirdo]

There's no real definite distinction between ionic and covalent bonds. We often make the oversimplification of saying ionic = metal + nonmetal and covalent = nonmetal + nonmetal. A more accurate way to see whether a compound is ionic or covalent is to look at the differences between the electronegativities of each species.

1. 24. Which of the following best describes the bond character for aluminum sulfide (Al2S3)?
   • A. Polar covalent
   • B. Covalent
   • C. Ionic
   • D. Hydrophobic
   • E. Hydrogen bonding

Do you mean that metalloids can form both ionic and covalent bonds? This is a question from Bootcamp. Al and S seem reasonably far apart to me. On the test, how should I approach this question? Are there other exceptions like Aluminum that I need to know?

 

[dentalstudentprospect2]

In this case it's ionic since the electronegativity differences are greater than 1.5. However, I doubt there will be a question that's as iffy as this one on the test.