Properties of Ionic Compound

There are many properties. Here is a short list of main properties:

 They form crystals. Ionic compounds form crystal lattices rather than amorphous solids.
 They have higher enthalpies of fusion and vaporization than molecular compounds.
 They are hard.
 They are brittle.
 They have high melting points and also high boiling points.
 They conduct electricity but only when they are dissolved in water.

 Hard.
 Form crystal lattices not molecules.
 Good insulators.
 High melting points/ Boiling Points.
 Conduct electricity when dissolved in water or as a liquid.
 Solids do not conduct electricity.

Properties of Covalent Compound

Here is a short list of the main properties of covalent compounds:

 Most covalent compounds have relatively low melting points and boiling points
 Covalent compounds usually have lower enthalpies of fusion and vaporization than ionic
compounds.
 Covalent compounds tend to be more flammable than ionic compounds.
 When dissolved in water, they don't conduct electricity.

 Low boiling points and melting points.

 Various colors.
 Poor conductors of heat and electricity.
 Brittle solids.
 Properties of Metallic Compound

 Very High melting and boiling points.

 Very Good Conductors of heat and electricity.
 Malleable (can be made into different shapes without breaking)
 Ductile (can be molded into wiring)
 Metallic luster (shiny)
 Sometimes magnetic.

 Lustrous (shiny)
 Good conductors of heat and electricity.
 High melting point.
 High density (heavy for their size)
 Malleable (can be hammered)
 Ductile (can be drawn into wires)
 Usually solid at room temperature (an exception is mercury)
 Opaque as a thin sheet (can't see through metals)

Metal Chemical Properties:

 Have 1-3 electrons in the outer shell of each metal atom and lose electrons
readily
 Corrode easily (e.g., damaged by oxidation such as tarnish or rust)
 Lose electrons easily
 Form oxides that are basic
 Fave lower electronegativities
 Are good reducing agents