electrovalent bond
Very Low (Specialist)Academic / Scientific / Technical (Chemistry)
Definition
Meaning
A chemical bond formed by the complete transfer of one or more electrons from one atom to another, resulting in positive and negative ions that attract each other.
In a broader chemical context, it refers to the strong electrostatic force of attraction between oppositely charged ions in a compound, typically formed between metals and non-metals. The bond is non-directional and results in ionic crystalline structures.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This term is essentially synonymous with 'ionic bond', though 'ionic bond' is the more modern and predominant term. 'Electrovalent' emphasizes the role of electrostatic valence forces.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. 'Ionic bond' is preferred in both dialects. British chemistry textbooks may historically use 'electrovalent' slightly more, but this distinction has largely vanished.
Connotations
Both terms are purely technical. 'Electrovalent' may sound slightly more archaic or specifically descriptive of the electrostatic mechanism.
Frequency
'Ionic bond' is significantly more frequent than 'electrovalent bond' in modern academic and educational materials in both the UK and US.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Element] forms an electrovalent bond with [Element]The electrovalent bond between [Ion] and [Ion] is strong.An electrovalent bond is characterised by [Property].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Exclusively used in chemistry textbooks, research papers, and lectures to describe ionic bonding, often in contrast to covalent bonding.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Used in precise chemical discourse, material science, and engineering contexts involving ionic compounds.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The sodium and chlorine atoms electrovalently bond to form sodium chloride.
- These elements do not readily electrovalently bond.
American English
- The sodium and chlorine ions electrovalently bond to form table salt.
- Metals tend to electrovalently bond with nonmetals.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Sodium chloride has an electrovalent bond.
- An electrovalent bond makes a salt crystal.
- The high melting point of magnesium oxide is due to the strong electrovalent bonds within its ionic lattice.
- In an electrovalent bond, the atom that loses electrons becomes a cation.
- While covalent bonds involve electron sharing, electrovalent bonds are predicated on the complete transfer of electrons, resulting in discrete ions.
- The electrovalent model adequately explains the conductivity of molten salts but fails to account for directional bonding in complex ions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think ELECTRO (electricity/charge) + VALENT (from valence, relating to combining power). A bond based on electrical attraction of valence electrons transferred.
Conceptual Metaphor
A HANDOVER: One atom hands over (transfers) its electron(s) to another, creating a debtor-creditor relationship of charge.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- The direct translation 'электро-валентная связь' is understood but 'ионная связь' is the standard, more common term.
- Avoid confusing with 'ковалентная связь' (covalent bond).
Common Mistakes
- Pronouncing it as 'electro-velent'. The correct stress is on 'val': e-lec-tro-VA-lent.
- Using it to describe polar covalent bonds, which involve sharing, not complete transfer.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary force responsible for an electrovalent bond?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the terms are synonymous. 'Ionic bond' is the more commonly used term in modern chemistry.
They typically form between metals (which lose electrons to form cations) and non-metals (which gain electrons to form anions).
They tend to have high melting and boiling points, are often soluble in polar solvents like water, conduct electricity when molten or in aqueous solution, and form crystalline solids.
The term 'ionic bond' is more directly descriptive of the resulting ions and has become the standard in IUPAC nomenclature and most educational systems, making 'electrovalent' somewhat archaic.