Question

Which property is characteristic of ionic but not of covalent compounds? 1. low boiling point 2. non-conductor of electricity in molten state 3. easily vaporizes 4. soft, non-crystalline structure 5. high melting point?

Answer 1

Ionic and covalent bonds are both strong intermolecular forces. They are generally both crystalline in structure. But relatively speaking, ionic bonds are much stronger. As a consequence, they have inherent properties of higher boiling points, higher melting points, lower volatility, etc. Also, ionic bonds display conductive properties because they are strong electrolytes. Thus, the answer is 5) higher melting points.