Question

You can buy solid air-freshners in shops. Do you think these substances are ionic or covalent? Why?

Answer 1

These substances are covalent in nature. While the covalent bonds within the molecules are strong, the intermolecular forces holding the individual molecules together are very weak. This gives them low melting points and allows them to sublimate or vaporise easily at room temperature, releasing fragrance molecules into the air. In contrast, ionic compounds are held together by strong electrostatic forces in a rigid lattice, meaning they cannot vaporise at room temperature and therefore do not give off an odour.