Question

Give two examples of compounds which are covalent when taken pure but form ions on dissolving in water. Write the formula of ions formed in the aqueous solution.

Answer 1

Two examples of polar covalent compounds that are non-conductors when pure but produce ions upon dissolving in water are Hydrogen Chloride (HCl) and Ammonia (NH₃).

The formulas of the ions formed in their respective aqueous solutions are:

• For Hydrochloric Acid (HCl): It forms Hydronium ions (H₃O⁺) and Chloride ions (Cl⁻).
• For Ammonium Hydroxide (NH₃ solution): It forms Ammonium ions \[\ce{(NH^+_4)}\] and Hydroxyl ions (OH⁻).